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RECENT TELEVISION PROJECTS

WORKING THE LAND: The Story of Connecticut Agriculture
New Documentary Depicts Cultural and Economic Impact of Farming in the State

Phoenixville farmers in 1912.

Connecticut's rich agricultural tradition dates to its earliest settlement. From the first days of subsistence farming through its development into an economic mainstay, Connecticut farmers and the farming way of life helped to build the state, give sustenance to millions, and provide state residents with a special sense of place.

Where once nearly everyone in Connecticut lived on or next to a farm, today there are fewer than 4,000 farms remaining in the state with about 20,000 people working in agriculture. The continuing loss of farmland to development is a worrisome trend; In the last five years Connecticut lost the highest percentage of its farmland to development than any other state.

Yet agriculture still generates more than $2.1 billion for the state economy. There are still successful egg, dairy, vegetable, fruit and tobacco farms in Connecticut, some farmed by the same family going back generations. Today's farmer, from small-scale proprietor to multi-million dollar operator, is finding new ways to grow, harvest, make and sell an increasingly diverse number of farm products. These include flowers, mushrooms, organic produce, gourmet vegetables, wine, cheese, grass-fed lamb and beef. With a highly affluent population and easy access to New York and Boston, Connecticut farmers have the opportunity to develop and serve a huge consumer base. Another bright spot is the growth of agricultural tourism to wineries, pick-your-own farms and farmers markets.

WORKING THE LAND, a new documentary from SimonPure Productions, tells the compelling story of state agriculture -- from its proud history to its present-day diversity. The program also explores current trends affecting state agriculture and the critical public policy decisions that help shape its future -- and the landscape of the state.

Click here for the WORKING THE LAND website

THE REAL BOB STEELE Premieres on Connecticut Public TV

Generations of Listeners Came to Know Longtime Radio Broadcaster over 65 years

For more than 65 years radio broadcaster Bob Steele brightened the mornings of Connecticut listeners. This October, on the anniversary of his first on-air shift at WTIC-AM, Connecticut Public Television premiered THE REAL BOB STEELE: CONNECTICUT'S RADIO LEGEND, a new half-hour biography of the legendary Connecticut radio broadcaster produced by SimonPure Productions.

In his heyday, which spanned several generations of listeners, he hosted the most-listened-to morning radio show in the U.S. with an audience that reached 500,000 people a day. From school closings, news and sports, to "the word for the day," Steele's warm baritone and witty persona were the reason why his program became the longest-running radio show in the U.S.

THE REAL BOB STEELE traces the life and career of this radio legend. Previously unseen pictures and footage of Steele, contributed by his family, complete this unique intimate portrait.

Bob Steele In 1936, his first year on the air at WTIC AM

Click here for more information on THE REAL BOB STEELE: CONNECTICUT'S RADIO LEGEND

MOODUS & EAST HADDAM FEATURES

History of Old Moodus Center Detailed in Online Series
A Sad Tale of a Renewal Project Gone Wrong and Its Effect on a Small Town

It was called "the most important decision that East Haddam has made in its 200-year history." The 1967 town vote to accept a federal urban renewal project indeed led to radical change for this rural Connecticut town. "Legacy of 'Progress' Gone Sour" details the history of the ill-advised project. Originally published in The Old Lyme Gazette, the 1982 series garnered a Champion Media Award for Economic Reporting. It is being republished here, with photos of long-gone local landmarks.

Click here for LEGACY OF PROGRESS GONE SOUR.