Submitted
Michael J. Valentine
RUTLAND—The face behind the cameras of Rutland’s PEGTV for over 20 years, Michael J. Valentine has stepped down as the organization’s executive director, effective immediately. The announcement was made May 27 by PEGTV board president Thad Omand.
“Mike has shared with us that due to personal health concerns he will no longer be able to fill this role,” stated Omand, “and while we are saddened by the news, we want to honor and celebrate his career, which has touched so many and done so much for our community. Our full love and support go to Mike and his family.”
In a letter to staff and board, Valentine reflected on 21 years with the organization. “Thanks to the hard work of board members (past and present) and a dedicated staff, we can proudly compare ourselves to any access center in the state or in the Northeast. I have a deep appreciation for so many people that have helped me along the way. With a fantastic staff, board and loving family, I can honestly say I’m one lucky man. One might even say blessed. Thank you all so much.”
To honor Valentine’s dedicated service to PEGTV and to the Rutland Community, the board will rename the main television studio the Michael J. Valentine Studio. A dedication ceremony paying tribute to Valentine will be held during the PEGTV Annual Meeting on June 24.
Valentine has been at the helm of Rutland’s public access television stations since the very beginning of the organization in 1996. He has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the stations, including a move from the Stafford Technical Center to the present location in the Howe Center. He has helped transition the facility and technology from analog to digital, overseeing upgrades of cameras, editing systems, and servers.
Viewers can now access programming 24/7 from the PEGTV website, and the trio of public access stations currently offers hundreds of hours of programming each week. PEGTV is often cited as Vermont’s premier public access television organization, a credit to Valentine’s tireless efforts and love for his job.
Members of the community wishing to contact Valentine can do so through interim executive director Laura Vien. For more information, contact [email protected]
PEGTV is comprised of Channels 15, 20 and 21 and is available to all cable subscribers throughout Rutland County. Streaming programming, video on demand services and hyper-local weather forecasts are also available online at www.pegtv.com.