American Public Television, US

Vermont Public Television, a PBS member station, is Vermont's statewide network of public television stations, covering its the state and bordering regions of New York, New Hampshire and southern Quebec, including Montreal. Its six channels broadcast from Burlington, Rutland, Windsor, St. Johnsbury, Manchester and Bennington, Vt. Studios and offices are located in Colchester, Vt. Vermont Public Television went on the air October 1967. VPT is making its transition to the new federally mandated digital broadcasting format. The digital conversion will ensure there is public television in the future, and it will make possible such new services as multiple program streams, datacasting and high-definition television. Vermont Public Television raises most of its operating revenue from the local community. Thousands of viewers and local businesses make annual contributions that, along with an auction and other sources, provide about 57 percent of the budget. Facility leases, production grants and activities such as contract production work generate other local income. Appropriations by the Vermont Legislature and the U.S. Congress provide crucial government support. State funding represents about 10 percent of VPT's budget, and federal support is about 14 percent.