TV Worth Blogging
by David Thiel, Program Director for WILL-TV
An insider's view of public television programming and the issues that help determine what and how you watch
All Aboard the Dinosaur Train!
Day Two of the PBS Showcase began with a look at the newest addition to the PBS Kids menagerie: Dinosaur Train! As someone who could correctly pronounce (and spell) a couple of dozen dinosaur species when I was only four years old, I felt that this one was made for me. My only disappointment? I may be too large to fit in the suit.
Read on for more about this fun, new show, coming to WILL-TV in September!
Read more on "All Aboard the Dinosaur Train!"
Greetings from Baltimore! Day One
I'm currently in Baltimore attending the annual PBS Showcase conference, where public TV station personnel meet to mingle with PBS executives, as well as producers of series that will be airing soon on screens nationwide. Keep reading for the highlights of the first day, including some big announcements!
Read more on "Greetings from Baltimore! Day One"
What's On The World?
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, PBS World is now available 24 hours a day on WILL's digital channel 12.2. (It is also anticipated to launch on Comcast cable systems throughout Central Illinois on May 27.)
I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the regular series offered on PBS World. Some are not currently aired on our primary channel, but several are old favorites now offered at alternate viewing times for your convenience! Take a peek at what the World has to offer!
Read more on "What's On The World?"
Further Status Update: Cable, Satellite and Guide Issues
A new week finds that most of the issues affecting WILL's cable/satellite carriage, as well as our guide listings, have been resolved.
Here's where things stand! New update on April 30; read below for details.
Read more on "Further Status Update: Cable, Satellite and Guide Issues"
Update: Cable, Satellite and Program Guide Issues
Over the last few days, we have been deluged with calls and e-mails regarding a variety of problems related to cable, satellite and program guides. We've spent a great deal of time attempting to track down the underlying issues and to contact appropriate staff at these various services.
That’s been more difficult than you might think. One thing that I've learned is that cable companies make it very difficult to reach anyone in charge.
Expand this entry to find our where things stand...
Read more on "Update: Cable, Satellite and Program Guide Issues"
PBS World (and Create) Now Available 24 Hours A Day!
This morning, WILL-TV took its final step (for now) in its digital multicast plans. Effective today, WILL 12.2--which had previously been a standard-definition simulcast of our primary channel--is the new home for PBS World!
We're now able to offer the full slate of World programming, including news, public affairs and documentaries. You can watch favorites such as Charlie Rose or The Newshour at alternate times, or enjoy series such as Tavis Smiley and WorldFocus that we previously couldn't accommodate on a single channel.




