Another Year of Impact

12.18.2023

It’s been quite a year! Coloradans have seen so much happen in 2023, including the impacts of the shooting at Club Q and how gun legislation has changed in our state, a rise in homelessness, an increase in migrants coming through the state, and more. We’ve also seen new mayors elected in Denver and Colorado Springs, decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms in Denver, a Nuggets NBA championship, and the first Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand recognitions in our state.

Through all those moments, PBS12 has been there to share stories and information with you. And we know it’s had an impact. PBS12 was nominated for four Heartland Emmys, including one nomination for our episode of Colorado Inside Out addressing gun legislation and the violence at Club Q, and secured two wins; we hosted two televised panel discussions with Denver’s mayoral candidates and a special episode of Colorado Inside Out to sit down with newly elected Mayor Mike Johnston at his 100-day mark; we premiered a new episode of the Heartland Emmy-nominated series Decode Colorado which directly addresses the homelessness crisis in Denver; and we established new partnerships with organizations like Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and History Colorado to continue our local coverage and representation.

In a world where nearly everything is polarizing and hard to process, I’m hopeful that what we’re creating at PBS12 has been a bright spot for you this year.

On another note, I’m thankful and honored to have celebrated my two-year anniversary at PBS12 this year. I had big shoes to fill as I stepped into my role as President and General Manager, and after the progress we’ve made over the last couple of years, I know we’re on the right path to even bigger wins next year.

In the next year, we’re doubling down on our mission to be Impact Media for Colorado. Through thought-provoking storytelling, educational programming, and highlighting diverse voices, PBS12 will continue to be the voice of our state. Looking back to May 2022, I said “I know that PBS12 is going to play a meaningful role in bringing Colorado back together again by sharing these types of stories with our viewers. It’s why we are impact media for Colorado and why we are going to start the movement right here.” That’s even truer today!

Not to give too much away, but our lineup in 2024 is some of the best work we’ve ever produced. We’re excited to relaunch one of PBS12’s flagship programs, Sounds on 29th. Our Heartland Emmy Award-winning series Decode Colorado continues with at least two more installments, focusing on the social determinants of health and mental health. And there’s even more to look forward to later in the year, so stay tuned!

We’re grateful for another year to make an impact, bring our community together, and unite Colorado. I especially am grateful to all of you for your ongoing support and feedback to help shape PBS12 in the coming year.

On a personal note, I’m grateful for the time I’ll have over the holidays to spend with my newly blended family, creating new family traditions celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah, having more time to tune in to PBS12, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Do you have family recipes that are a must-have at your dinner table, or maybe it’s an annual trip, or the year’s most competitive game of Monopoly. I’d love to learn more about how you make the holidays meaningful. Let me know by emailing me at KristenBlessman@pbs12.org.

Kristen Blessman
President and General Manager, PBS12