Date: October 1, 2008
Contact: Tom Carter
(417) 836-4621

SPRINGFIELD — “OzarksWatch Video Magazine,” a television series highlighting the history and culture of the Ozarks, recently completed its 10th season of production. New episodes will premiere on Ozarks Public Television beginning Oct. 19.

The series, created by Dr. Jim Baker, vice president for research and economic development at Missouri State University, began in 1999 to compliment the long-time and popular publication OzarksWatch. The television series attempts to document, present and preserve the traditional and evolving aspects of Ozarks history and culture. Baker has also been the series host.

“Working on ‘OzarksWatch Video Magazine’ during the past 10 years has been both an honor and a privilege,” Baker said. “I have been able to work with talented production and staff people, travel throughout the Ozarks, and learn a great deal about the history of this intriguing region. Most importantly to me, I have met some of the warmest and most interesting people in the world.”

 “OzarksWatch Video Magazine” is a production of Ozarks Public Television and Missouri State University. Approximately 15 new episodes are produced annually and there are currently more than 150 programs in the series. Past episodes rotate each week with new programs. Show topics include traditional crafts and music, historical retrospectives, current trends and profiles of Ozarks personalities.

Gordon McCann serves as a content expert and in an advisory role for the series. McCann is widely respected as a cultural preservationist and often serves as a panelist, speaker or consultant for organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Smithsonian Institute and the Missouri Arts Council.

University administrator Dale Moore joined Baker as host of the series in 2006. Moore is a veteran broadcaster, well-known for his media accomplishments in the region.
    
“Working on the series is truly an enriching experience,” said Tom Carter, OPT programming and production manager. “Our guests, the culture that we share and the variety of topics we learn about all make this special series a joy to produce.”

Copies of the series are available in area libraries. A complete listing of these archives, along with a summary and description of shows, is available on Ozark Public Television’s website, www.optv.org.

OzarksWatch Video Magazine is broadcast weekly on Ozarks Public Television, Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Mondays at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.