[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E411-E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PAUL AND JEAN AMOS PERFORMANCE STUDIO DEDICATION AT WSRE-TV

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it was a pleasure to celebrate a 
significant milestone in WSRE-TV's history last week as they dedicated 
their new performance studio in honor of Paul and Jean Amos.
  Public television provides valuable commercial-free educational, 
informational, and cultural programming for communities all across the 
country. Here in our own backyard, WSRE-TV does a wonderful job of 
fulfilling the programming needs and interests of the Emerald Coast. As 
a local viewer and supporter I believe they keep residents connected 
with the local community, the Nation, and the world in a way that no 
other outlet can or does.
  As we celebrated the dedication of the Jean and Paul Amos performance 
studio, we recognized that WSRE transcends the typical operation of a 
public television station. Very few PBS stations around the country can 
accommodate their viewers within their physical structure. This 
performance studio is perfect to host forums and engage the public in 
direct participation to discuss issues important to the community. In 
keeping with WSRE's mission, former General Manager Allan Pizzato had 
the foresight to construct this facility to bring the community into 
WSRE, so it could truly act as a mirror reflecting the interests of the 
community.
  Public broadcasting stations are transforming their mission in order 
to fulfill the niche of the community and the broadcast world. Just 
like the Internet is not just used for data gathering, but is now used 
as a telephone service, cable companies are now offering high speed 
Internet, and telephone companies are starting to offer cable. Just as

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these service providers strive to keep up with growing demands, public 
television stations must do the same.
  Years ago, WSRE recognized the need for change and responded quickly. 
PBS as an organization continues to provide the core base of 
educational programming and services, but WSRE-TV takes that service to 
another level. They understand that with cable's niche program 
offerings that the role of public broadcasting must become more 
comprehensive, expanding into community outreach programs such as 
reading services for the blind, educational offerings and instructional 
courses transmitted over multi-casted digital channels, educational 
outreach activities such as the national teacher training institute to 
provide professional development for teachers, and also services that 
provide resources for daycare providers to help prepare children for 
school.
  Telecommunications is rapidly changing every day. The possibilities 
are truly limitless. It gives me tremendous pride, both personally and 
as a member of the Congressional Public Broadcasting Caucus, to know 
that my public television station is not only keeping up; it's going 
above and beyond the basic services required of it.
  Under Sandy Cesaretti Ray's dynamic leadership and ingenuity, WSRE-TV 
continues to achieve its mission, bringing high quality services to its 
viewers. The panhandle is very fortunate to have had such quality 
leadership here over the past 35 years. Playing such an important part 
in the life of our community, I want to thank them for their commitment 
to excellence, and my sincere gratitude to the Amoses for their 
generous, heartfelt gift.

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