Children’s programs and educational services have always been at the core of KNME’s mission. Before there was a PBS and SESAME STREET, KNME produced science, music and history programs in conjunction with Albuquerque Public Schools. Dr. George Fischbeck’s Science programs and Joyce Marron’s TV Kindergarten were distributed nationally. Public television programs from MR. ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD, ZOOM and READING RAINBOW to current favorites like ARTHUR, CLIFFORD and CURIOUS GEORGE set the standard for children’s programs that are entertaining as well as educational.

Sesame Workshop (originally called the Children’s Television Workshop) has been a pioneer in children’s programs for over four decades. But shows like SESAME STREET are only one facet of the Workshop’s commitment to children and families. Sesame Workshop has also initiated a number of health and education outreach initiatives. In April, KNME will broadcast WHEN FAMILIES GRIEVE hosted by Katie Couric, the latest in a long line of prime-time specials produced by Sesame Workshop offering strategies for families coping with difficult issues.

That’s why we’re very excited to have a special guest coming to New Mexico next month. Gary Knell, the president of Sesame Workshop. Gary will be in Albuquerque on April 2 for a series of media interviews, meetings and donor events.

KNME participates in the PBS Ready to Learn Service, providing curriculum and activities to enhance the educational content of programs like SESAME STREET. Thousands of New Mexico children reap the benefits of the dozens of Ready to Learn workshops that KNME offers each year. These workshops share teaching techniques and materials with New Mexico parents, teachers and daycare providers to help them prepare young children for school. Last year, KNME provided nearly four thousand books to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own books. The station participates in 37 after-school literacy programs attended by 1,400 kids.

Each year, hundreds of mid-school students visit local museums for hands-on educational opportunities as part of KNME’s Science Crawl. KNME also stimulates interest in the sciences through its broadcast of “Ask a Scientist” videos and Science Cafes, where people of all ages can join in conversations with local experts. These activities are part of KNME’s Science Central initiative.

These are just a few examples of KNME’s—and public television’s—commitment to the children and families of New Mexico. We are constantly looking for new ways to provide the kids in the communities we serve with positive, healthy educational programs and services. All of us who work at KNME have stories of being out in the community and seeing the smiles of kids—and their parents—at the mention of Big Bird or Elmo. It’s very exciting and rewarding to know that these programs and services are impacting and enriching so many young lives.

Polly Anderson
General Manager & CEO