WFYI is one of Indy's true hidden gems, Central Indiana's source for National Public Radio and PBS Television offerings.
WFYI Public Media's mission is to "empower, educate, entertain and connect our community through impactful journalism, inspiring stories and lifelong learning."
WFYI has been around since 1970 and was the state of Indiana's first educational television system. The broadcast signal reaches 58 miles, though 80+ organizations help WFYI extend its reach. According to the stats, approximately 450,000 households throughout Central Indiana continue to tune in to WFYI Public Television at least once a week, and 110,000 Hoosiers listen to FM 90.1 HD1 on the radio each week.
The studio is located at 16th & Meridian in a building that's hard to miss. If you drive behind the building, it's even harder to miss with a gigantic Big Bird destined to greet you.
WFYI's television offerings include 3 digital options - 20.1 is the main channel, 20.2 is 24-hour programming for kids, and 20.3 has how-to programming during the day and both local and national offerings in primetime.
WFYI's HD radio options include HD1 (the standard BBC/NPR programming along with local news/public affairs) and HD2 (somewhat more trendier programming that is also often available as a podcast).
Having attended multiple special events at WFYI, I'm always impressed by those who work there and those who broadcast. I've appeared on multiple shows and semi-regularly on Film Soceyology. I've also had the privilege of guest hosting Film Soceyology during times when host Matt Socey has needed to be absent.
WFYI offers closed captioning services. They have accessible parking in back and the sidewalk is level to the front door. The front doors are automatic (push button) and there's an elevator to each floor. I've seen a couple gathering spaces that required a little planning in a wheelchair, but WFYI has always taken accessibility seriously.
WFYI also supports numerous community initiatives and you can also see other smaller media organizations in their building. Truly, they're community-minded, engaging, offer a great public forum for discussion and debate, they're entertaining, and they offer a wide variety of programming that's truly stand-out with some of the best hosts for music, news, and public affairs in the city. They're the recipient of numerous awards, including Emmy Awards, and there's no doubt Indy's a better place to live because of WFYI. read more