Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
December 3, 2012
Resolution of Appreciation for WNET Exemplary Service During Hurricane Sandy
Unanimously
WHEREAS,
Hurricane Sandy caused terrible loss of life and destruction of property on an unprecedented scale in New York, New Jersey and along the East Coast region of the United States; and
WHEREAS,
WNET (including NJTV and WLIW) provided a lifeline to viewers in the region both during the course of the storm and its immediate aftermath, offering extensive live coverage on multiple digital platforms including television broadcast, social media and online; and
WHEREAS,
Such coverage included storm preparation strategies, weather and coastal flooding bulletins, status updates about restoration of power and other utilities, and in-depth information regarding mobile insurance claims offices and other practical matters; and
WHEREAS,
Coverage also included multiple live updates from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's Trenton-based press center, for which WNET/NJTV served as the exclusive pool provider for all other stations and networks, as well as live coverage of President Obama's tour of the New Jersey shoreline and his remarks; and
WHEREAS,
WNET deployed the most up-to-date remote HDTV equipment available ("wireless video backpacks") to provide video feeds from devastated coastal areas, and used mobile digital technology to interact with viewers who lacked access to computers and televisions; and
WHEREAS,
Many of the station's staff and on-air talent worked nearly around the clock while experiencing personal hardship through the loss of electricity, heat and other essential services in their homes; and
WHEREAS,
The hard-hit communities of New York and New Jersey will continue to depend on WNET for special coverage during the many months of recovery that still lie ahead; and
WHEREAS,
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting offers its deepest sympathies to our colleagues in New York and New Jersey for the losses and hardships they have suffered as a result of Hurricane Sandy; and
WHEREAS,
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting offers its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff and management of WNET for their extraordinary work in these difficult times.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting presents the Community Lifeline Award to WNET to recognize their exemplary service to viewers in affected communities during Hurricane Sandy.
