VCC Magazine Summer 2018

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S ummer 2018 24 Be Our Guest – for This Week in Richmond By Sarah Alderson In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, we’re constantly bombarded with media messages everywhere we go. But what ends up passing for news these days is often just a bunch of repetitious soundbites and exaggerated headlines. Flashy graphics, flying boxes and scrolling headlines fill the screen during any given news program, accompanied by a cacophony of whooshing sound effects, multiple talking heads and opinionated talk show hosts. Interviews are conducted in a rush to capture those few little quotes that will be repeated over and over in a seemingly endless loop. More often than not, the result is that the newsmakers themselves don’t actually get to be heard, and the viewers are left with a lot of supposed style but very little substance. That’s why, when you’re looking for a simple, straightforward, and detailed report about what’s going on around Virginia‘s Capitol, the perfect antidote to all the cable news network noise is This Week in Richmond . This Week in Richmond is a public television program that captures first-hand perspectives of state legislators and other decision-makers from around the Capitol. It is hosted by state capitol veteran David Bailey, produced by WCVE PBS, and recorded live in the Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation‘s Capitol Studio in the Pocahontas Building. With This Week in Richmond , viewers get a non-partisan, in- depth look at current events, developments and decisions coming out of the Capitol each week through complete, unedited interviews with the people who are making Virginia‘s government work every day. From budget cuts to regulatory affairs, the program spotlights the latest happenings at the General Assembly while it is in session. During the rest of the year, it provides timely insights and behind- the-headlines analysis about taxes, education and other matters that are critical to people across the Commonwealth. Since its inception, This Week in Richmond has hosted a veritable who’s who of movers and shakers connected withVirginia government—each with their own unique perspective on what‘s happening at any point in time. From the leadership in both chambers and the executive branch, to agency heads and cabinet members, to the clerks of both the Senate and the House of Delegates, to current and former governors and first ladies, to Virginia members of Congress, the show has given viewers a chance to hear directly from a wide range of the most influential people behind the scenes. Some of the shows feature a unique mix of perspectives and others revolve around a common theme. For instance, one show featured three colonels—from three different branches of service—who served in the House of Delegates. Both the viewers and participants enjoyed the experience so much that there were requests for an encore. One of the most unique and fun shows was taped at the Old Fiddlers‘ Convention in Galax, a southwestern Virginia tradition since 1935. And one of the most heartwarming shows featured a group of state employees who volunteered their time to help restore a state park. This Week in Richmond has also featured long-time Capitol news veterans Bob Lewis from the Associated Press and Jeff Shapiro from the Richmond Times-Dispatch —who discussed what it’s been like to cover the Capitol and its newsmakers first hand over the years. For guests, the show is an increasingly rare opportunity to expound on the issues that matter to them most in an easy going and relaxed atmosphere. For viewers, it’s an equally rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the people and personalities behind the positions through complete and unedited conversations. As one viewer said, “The main thing I like about the show is that the host doesn’t constantly interrupt the guest or interject his own ideas about the subject. He lets his guests talk.” While there have been last minute changes due to ever-evolving schedules and even a mild case of stage fright or two, guests of the show say that they feel like they get a real chance to discuss the issues that are important to them and their constituents. And viewers say that they always learn something new. When asked which shows he thought stood out over the years, host David Bailey replied, “It’s not the show, but the personality that stands out.” While he hesitated to single out any one person or show, it was obvious who one of Bailey‘s all-time favorite guests has been. “Senator Yvonne Miller was absolutely delightful,” he said with a big smile. The one guest that Bailey would NOT like to have again? Himself. Due to various scheduling difficulties and a last minute cancellation or two, the show was once left with a deadline to meet and no guest to interview. But, as they say, “The show must go on.” So the show’s host found himself in the position of having to fill 26 minutes of airtime with his own perspective about what goes on behind the scenes. As with other PBS productions, ThisWeek in Richmond depends on the generous support of its underwriters to help produce, direct, record and distribute the program throughout the year. People and organizations who believe in the importance of transparency in state government, as well as having week to week coverage of what goes on at the Capitol, provide the funding needed to make each show possible. This Week in Richmond thanks them—and the show participants—for all that they do. If you want to stay informed about the most current issues facing our Commonwealth—from the point of view of those who are making government work here in Virginia— this is the show you need to watch. If you want to get your message out to your constituents—and all Virginians— to keep them informed about the issues that are most important to them, this is the show you need to be on. Check your local listings for dates and times for the show on stations across the state. You can also check out past programs that are available on demand at www.ideastations.org/tags/week- richmond . Whether you’re a participant or a viewer, you can cut through all the other media noise out there and stay informed with a straightforward, detailed report about what’s going on here and now in Virginia’s Capitol. Simply put, you are cordially invited to relax, pull up a chair, and be our guest—for This Week in Richmond . Sarah Alderson is an award-winning freelance writer who also works in the Senate and House broadcast control rooms during sessions and the Capitol Studio throughout the year. She can be reached at aldersonproductions@gmail.com . V • past editions online • subscribe • advertise WWW. VCCQM . ORG