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WFYI-TV Channel 20 has quietly launched two public television channels, but a third station that's about to launch should pack the biggest punch.
The Indiana Channel will feature an all-local lineup, including extensive live coverage of the Indiana General Assembly, judicial proceedings, and arts and cultural programming.
"It will be like C-Span, but focused on Indiana," said WFYI President Lloyd Wright.
WFYI hopes to have the new digital channel operational by February. All three of WFYI's new channels are the result of digital technology upgrades.
The station has invested $12 million in its digital conversion since 1996. The money came from corporate and individual donors and government and foundation grants.
In addition, WFYI has raised $17.2 million since October 2003 for a $20.2 million capital campaign needed to purchase and renovate a building at 1630 N. Meridian St., where it plans tomove by May. It will continue to raise money after the move, if necessary, and was just granted a $900,000 Kresge Challenge Grant if the remaining $2.1 million can be raised by Sept. 30.
"WFYI is in a very good place in terms of digital technology and use of the digital spectrum," said Paula Kerger, president of Arlington, Va.-based Public Broadcasting Service, during a recent tour of WFYI's new facilities. "Among public broadcasters, I would put [WFYI] out in front of the curve"
Public broadcasters are feeling the heat to fund the infrastructure for the digital conversion and to supply programming for new channels, Kerger said.
"I would love to spend all day thinking about where we're going to find the...