Dear Friend,

      In 1876, a Western Union internal memo noted: “This telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is of no value to us.” Just as the telephone disrupted the telegraph business model, the television dramatically altered the radio business decades later. In 1946, one Hollywood executive figured TV was a fad and predicted, “People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.” All of us are resistant to change to some extent, but technology marches forward.

You have generously stood by WTLW TV over the last 10 years as we have embraced and invested in digital technology. Together, we have purchased an antenna, two transmitters, transmission line, computers, cameras, production switcher and audio board. All of this equipment is part of a plan to rebuild our plant without going into major debt. I thank God often for his provision, and I marvel at how far we have come since the days of our analog Townsend transmitter and countless Klystron tube replacements.

The next leg of our journey is to build a digital network inside our building. Just as the human body’s backbone contains vital nerves, our network will be the station’s backbone, delivering video throughout TV-44’s facility. We are launching “Building for the Future”, a campaign to raise $50,000 to build the nerve-center room and the network. Will you pledge your support toward this project?

Like any good investment, this will provide a return. First, programming currently received via satellite will soon be sent to us through the internet. For example, we will receive the Gaither Homecoming through the internet which is a less-costly delivery system. Second, the upgrade will enable us to change our telephone and internet service, which will save thousands of dollars per year. Third, the new system will better defend against hackers who could infiltrate our facility with computer viruses. Essentially, this network backbone will tie together all of our vital equipment and give us the ability to receive unique programming from around the world.

Thank for embracing change with us as we invest in the future of local Christian television. Please prayerfully consider your part, as we enter the “Build for the Future” campaign.

Warmly in Christ,

Kevin Bowers

General Manager

WTLW TV

Click Here to Pledge Your Support!

44 Sports will unveil more than its high school football Game of the Week this fall. We will also feature a newly rebuilt HD production truck.  The $250,000 investment gives WTLW the most up-to-date production truck in Western Ohio. The truck is equipped with an industry-leader Ross switcher, Avid Deko graphics system, HD JVC cameras and Abekas video replay.  According to General Manager Kevin Bowers, "Engineers Ken Vedder and Jeff Klingler have done an amazing job of putting together a state-of-art truck. This presents a level of quality rarely seen in high school sports coverage." With the rebuild, there will be thorough testing of equipment and expert training brought in for the staff. We appreciate your patience as we work through the growing pains. WTLW is committed to bringing you sports coverage at the highest quality!

Photo: Ken Vedder has been instrumental in the design and installation of equipment for the new production truck.

Take a wild trip with TV-44 to yester-year with Retro TV!  New "old" shows include the Partridge Family, Hazel, Dennis the Menace, Father Knows Best and Gomer Pyle. Weeknights 7:30pm to 9 pm.