PEORIA MAGAZINE

Can we still produce local features?

I thought the idea of WTVP-TV (Channel 47) publishing Peoria Magazine was a good idea. With its focus on central Illinois, the magazine served a purpose when Jan Wright was the publisher (through 2021) and continued after Leslie Matuszak took it over in 2022. With former Journal Star editor Mike Bailey at the helm, Peoria Magazine filled a need as print journalism—and local news--was taking a hit nationwide.

As one of the freelancers who contributed to the magazine, I was happy to work on features for a beat I covered for 20 years at the Journal Star (retiring in 2019). The first WTVP issue on March 2022 included articles on the new OSF headquarters in Downtown Peoria as well as Sally McKee’s prescient article regarding the post-Covid office scene in the city (nearly one-third of Peoria’s office space was empty), an interview with Bradley University economist Joshua Lewer, stories on Peoria Heights and Delavan and a whole bunch of articles by former PJS columnist Phil Luciano.

It was a city mag that routinely showcased the art scene as well as various local celebrations held annually in this community. However, with photos by Ron Johnson, another Journal Star alum, it also had flair.

It wouldn’t last. As we know now, things came crashing down at WTVP in September 2023 with Matuszak’s sudden resignation and tragic suicide followed by revelations of a major economic shortfall at the station and the layoffs of nine employees. The magazine ceased publication in November 2023.

Tim Shelley, WCBU-FM news director, reported in February 2024 that an audit revealed that WTVP spent more than $1.2 million on the magazine in FY23, including $467,185 for magazine salary and payroll taxes, and $261,185 for printing costs. The audit put magazine revenues at $512,483. By comparison, costs for programming, production, and broadcast operations at the station totaled just under $2.1 million.

Little wonder that when John Wieland, 47’s new board chairman, met with area stakeholders earlier this year to explore the possibility of another party taking over the magazine, there weren’t any takers.

One thing I haven’t heard regarding Channel 47 moving forward is producing a digital version of the magazine. Production costs would be slashed but ad revenue might be a question. Nevertheless, the station needs to make some good news for a change.

The fact remains that public television still has to let folks know what’s on these days. Adrift in a raging sea of TV channels and streams, the station has no choice. But we also need local features, Q-and-A interviews with local decision-makers, recognition of local legends, as well as providing a showcase for community leaders 40 under 40 or over 40, for that matter.

Looking over the station’s programming guide for August, there are plenty of subjects for articles you could mix in with local content: Bob Dylan (PBS ran a two-part series August 4 and 11), the F-35 Lightning II aircraft (August 14) and a show on director Blake Edwards (August 27), to name but a few. Local programs include a profile of Lydia Moss Bradley (August 19) and the sinking of the Columbia riverboat (August 21).

In a letter from the editor in that March 2022 Peoria Magazine issue, Bailey quoted Jim Mormann, the OSF executive who oversaw the headquarters reconstruction, saying that once upon a time “this town had a lot of swagger. We gotta bring it back.” Agreed. WTVP has played a great role in this community for more than 50 years. We gotta bring it back.