As I’ve said many times in this column, one of the great joys of this job is visiting with folks in the community who love public television. I hear so many wonderful stories about how public television has changed lives. I love connecting with folks in these conversations and always feel so lucky to hear their stories. 

I recently experienced something I enjoy nearly as much. I was having coffee with a new group of friends. The conversation shifted to music and several people spoke about their favorites. One of my new friends pointed out the enormous influence of gospel music on nearly every artist and genre that had been mentioned. This person shared proudly that they had learned a lot about the topic through a recent series on public television. A second person nodded enthusiastically and added what they had learned from the show. A third person asked for the title and looked it up on their phone. I smiled broadly as I realized that nobody at the table had any idea where I worked. I stayed mum and soaked in this joyful and spontaneous connection among viewers. 

These moments have always felt like a beautiful paradox to me. It’s lovely and amazing that a public service that is most often enjoyed quietly in the privacy of our own homes connects us to others in such a meaningful way. I thank you for sparking these conversations across the Ozarks, and I hope you find yourself in one of these unexpected connections very soon.

Rachel Knight
General Manager