The opportunities for WGBH to help people make connections to the world at large and at our doorstep have never been greater. It's been said that chance favors the prepared mind. It also favors the prepared public broadcaster. Rapid changes in the media landscape—from new technology, to consolidation of media ownership in the hands of a few mega-conglomerates, to the proliferation of narrow niche programming on commercial channels—have spawned new audience needs, presenting WGBH with the chance to fulfill our public service mission in ways unimaginable just a few short years ago.
Digital television. Online streaming. Satellite radio. WGBH is taking advantage of new technology to create more value for our audiences, more opportunities to connect to our rich library of editorial content. Not so long ago, TV and radio were ephemeral events; if you missed the broadcast, you missed out. That's no longer true. Today, more and more of our programs are available to watch or listen to when you choose. This year, WGBH launched the largest-ever expansion in our TV services: Viewers throughout New England with digital cable or digital receivers now can access an expanded menu of WGBH programs through WGBH World, WGBH Create, and 'GBH Kids, as well as our new high-definition and on-demand services, WGBH HD and WGBH On Demand.
And our broadcasts are just the tip of the information iceberg. Want to know more about the Origins of our universe (Nova), or read the full transcripts of interviews from a Frontline investigation of the credit card industry? A trusted virtual library of WGBH-curated information is just a few clicks away. Today, we're not only the single largest producer of prime-time programs for PBS, we're also the largest producer of Web content for pbs.org, the most visited dot-org site on the Internet.
As commercial media have become more shrill and sensational in an effort to deliver audiences to advertisers, WGBH is filling the void with thoughtful, thought-provoking programming that makes a real difference in people's lives. When the commercial broadcast networks shunned the Democratic and Republican national conventions in favor of "reality TV," public broadcasting was there with four hours each night of prime-time coverage and analysis.
As the war in Iraq unfolded, public broadcasting looked beyond the immediate conflict to deliver much-needed context and a broader global perspective. And we'll continue to tackle the big questions. In the coming year we'll turn the spotlight on the crisis in Global Health, including what Americans can do about it, and also take a look at the roots of our democracy through a compelling portrait of founding father, and mother, John and Abigail Adams.
WGBH is thinking and acting globally, nationally, and locally. As Boston's last locally owned and operated TV broadcaster and one of only a handful of locally owned radio broadcasters, we are committed to serving our community through programs, partnerships, and forums that reflect their needs and interests. And the opportunities for fulfilling this mission are about to increase exponentially as we move forward with plans for our 2006 move to new studios in Brighton.
Our new, consolidated facility will not only give us maximum flexibility to originate multiple programs and productions using the latest digital technology, but also finally provide a space where WGBH can be even more welcoming to the communities we serve. Soon, we'll be able to throw open our doors for screenings, lectures, musical performances, and events around important content featured in our broadcasts. Playing an expanded role in this effort is Jon Abbott, who joined us in 1998 from PBS as vice president and general manager for TV stations, and who this year stepped up to new responsibilities as WGBH's executive vice president and chief operating officer. We also welcomed Patricia Campbell as vice president for finance and administration, and bid farewell to Andy Griffiths, who retired after exceptional service in that post for nearly 25 years.
Spanning the globe, our nation, and our community: Thanks to your generous support, a vibrant community base, the expert guidance of our board leadership, and the talents of our staff, WGBH is helping millions of people make connections to the world we share every single day.