VPM CEO Jayme Swain: Join Us in Protecting Public Media Amid Federal Funding Threats
VPM’s work makes a difference in the communities we serve.
From our role in operating the emergency alert system to providing family-friendly entertainment to equipping parents with tools to support their children’s education, VPM is proud to be a partner to all Virginians.
Public media is more important than ever as we make an impact in communities across the Commonwealth.
Top 10 Reasons VPM is Critical and Important to Virginians
Emergency alert system
VPM – and all public media stations – provide an emergency alert system for residents across the state.
Family-friendly entertainment
VPM broadcasts entertaining shows like All Creatures Great & Small, educational documentaries like Ken Burns' Leonardo DaVinci, and inspiring glimpses into our world with NOVA.
Early education
VPM provides parents and caregivers with tools and resources so they can make decisions about how to best support their children's education.
Community-driven
VPM is one of the few locally owned and community governed media organizations in Central Virginia.
Celebrating Virginia
VPM illuminates the talents, livelihoods and accomplishments of Virginians through programs like Un-Wine'd and Life in the Heart Land, digital series like Finding Edna Lewis, and documentaries like Sounds of Culture: 20 Years of the Richmond Folk Festival.
Evolving and relevant
We adapt to connect with audiences where they are – through TV and radio broadcasts, social media platforms, websites, e-newsletters, podcasts and print publications. VPM is moving our headquarters to downtown Richmond in 2026.
Factual, local news
At a time when other newsrooms are shrinking and disappearing, VPM is building its news team to deliver factual news coverage focused on local issues that matter most to our communities.
Finding solutions
Through our docuseries and investigative journalism, VPM asks hard questions with the goal of connecting Virginians to meaningful solutions.
Local content
VPM is committed to telling stories that reflect our communities and amplifying local voices.
Free and accessible
VPM is committed to keeping news and content free and available to all Virginians – and never being behind a paywall or having a subscription.
Why VPM Is Important to Me
Patty Merrill
Public media throughout our lives
Michael Woodfolk
Programs for everyone in the family
Linda Tissiere
VPM tells local stories
Irene Carney
VPM helps young children
Kevin Nicholson
VPM’s vital services to our community
VPM Mission
To use the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire.
Want to learn more about where VPM is headed? Check the VPM 2028 Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap for the next phase of our evolution as a local storyteller. This plan puts the VPM audience at the center of our work and prioritizes community impact.