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WFYI PUBLIC TV

WFYI TV 20 has been serving the Indianapolis area since October 1970. Broadcasting popular PBS programs, as well as award-winning local productions, WFYI is making connections with the the central Indiana community. To find your favorite programs on WFYI, view our monthly calendar, or use our search feature.

 
WFYI PUBLIC TELEVISION LOCAL PROGRAMS
Across Indiana Across Indiana

Take a weekly journey across the cultural landscape of the Hoosier state. Host Michael Atwood and a team of award-winning producers explore the places, people and traditions that make Indiana a unique place to live and work. The program profiles interesting Hoosiers, from humble farmers to computer entrepreneurs and folk artists. Across Indiana blends heart, soul, humor and journalistic insight into a unique television program made by, and about, the people of Indiana. More...

 
Communities Building Community

A public television series hosted by former First Lady Judy O’Bannon. Produced by WFYI Public Television — an initiative that recognizes and brings attention to the many ways Hoosiers are working to strengthen their communities for the future — "Communities Building Community" will inspire viewers with its amazing accounts of the human spirit.  More...

 
Changing Neighborhoods, Changing Lives - The Making Connections Story Changing Neighborhoods, Changing Lives
The Making Connections Story

Sunday, February 12 at 4 am on WFYI 1

Indianapolis was one of six cities selected by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to be sites of long-term, intensive investment and intervention in 2001 through its Making Connections initiative. This decade-long endeavor sought to make transformational change in two neighborhoods: The Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and the Southeast neighborhood area that includes Fountain Square. After ten years, Kim Jacobs follows up on two documentaries, Neighborhood at the Crossroads and Reviving the Spirit, and explores the changes that have...and haven't...taken place.

 
From Naptown to Super City Naptown to Super City
Saturday, February 4 at 6 pm on WFYI 1

How did a city so dead in the mid 1960s that pigeons were hunted with shotguns in the middle of downtown morph into a metropolis vibrant enough to attract the Super Bowl? From Naptown to Super City, a collaboration between the Indianapolis Star and WFYI, puts viewers in the front row of history as it happened, showing how leaders gambled on an unprecedented strategy -- civic development through sports -- and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. The hourlong documentary includes stunning footage and new interviews with Richard Lugar, William Hudnut, Jim Morris, George McGinnis, Sandy Knapp, Reggie Miller, Ted Boehm and many other key players.

 
Gametime is Showtime: Indy's Super Bowl Legacy Pt. III
Monday, February 6 at 1:30 am on WFYI 1

Indianapolis' 2012 Super Bowl effort heads down the home stretch. Host Derwin Smiley shows you how the pace is ramping up for both the Host Committee and volunteers alike. Downtown streets come alive with elaborate venues for out-of-state visitors and 46 murals for Super Bowl 46 dot the urban landscape. The Super Bowl reaches out to young people on the Near Eastside through the Viewfinder Project and our student journalists from Tech High School show us the "Theatre of Inclusion." See these and many more projects on Gametime is Showtime.

Gametime is Showtime: Indy's Super Bowl Legacy Pt. III is sponsored by Chase, Citizens Energy Group and the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership.

 
Open Door: China in Indiana Open Door: China in Indiana
Wednesday, February 15 at 5 am on WFYI 1

Open Door: China in Indiana reveals how this ancient Asian culture has evolved into a relationship that will be a defining force in Indiana's future. The state's economic experts explain why direct relationships with China are crucial to business here at home. Students from Indiana's premier medical school share clinical hours with their Chinese counterparts. Learn why Mandarin is one of the top language courses now embraced by public schools, and see how Chinese and Hoosiers alike are flocking to classes and camps that teach everything from dance to art to calligraphy.

 
Nearing the Goal: Indy's Super Bowl Legacy Pt. II Nearing the Goal: Indy's Super Bowl Legacy Pt. II
Monday, February 6 at 1 am on WFYI 1

One of the world's grandest sporting events comes to Indianapolis for the first time – and host Derwin Smiley will take you to where the action is happening.

Around 10th Street, the Super Bowl Legacy Project is in full swing as the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center is taking shape, along with 32 MIBOR Centennial Homes for at-risk families. Downtown, there are murals painted by local artists and the Georgia Street Pedestrian Plaza is nearing completion. And “Super Cure,” a Super Bowl initiative using hundreds of volunteers to help provide the Simon Cancer Center Komen Tissue Bank with the research tools needed to find a cure for breast cancer, is underway.

 
Journey of the Beams Journey of the Beams
Thursday, February 23 at 4 am on WFYI 1

Two steel beams were escorted in a procession across New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio by thousands of motorcyclists. Interstates were shut down while they passed. Word of mouth brought thousands more to bridges and overpasses to see them. Their destination and final resting place: Indianapolis.

 
Musical Threads: Expressions of a People Musical Threads: Expressions of a People

Common threads from the musical African-American cultural experience weave through jazz, spirituals, blues, gospel, pop and soul in this simple, yet engaging, production featuring only the talents of guitar virtuoso Tyron Cooper and world class mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson.

 
The Indianapolis: The 2010 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis The Indianapolis: The 2010 International
Violin Competition of Indianapolis

In the violin world, it's known as The Indianapolis. It's the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, and is considered one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world. Every four years, dozens of the world's top young violinists compete for extraordinary prizes, and the loan of a magnificent Stradivari violin owned by the late Josef Gingold. The Indianapolis: The 2010 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis follows these talented violinists during the 17-day competition. Emmy-winning producer Viki Anderson led a team of producers and videographers, who were granted behind-the-scenes access to the competition.

 
Transformation: Old Building/New Life Transformation: Old Building, New Life

Transformation: Old Building, New Life chronicles the restoration of the former Central Avenue United Methodist Church in Indianapolis into the home of Indiana Landmarks. This documentary, a year-and-a-half in the making, takes you behind the scenes to witness the skill and dedication exhibited by more than 100 members of the restoration team. From the building’s deepest, darkest nooks and crannies, to the brilliant, dizzying, open air heights at the top of the tallest tower, you are there as the workers make sure that even the tiniest detail receives the attention it deserves. In addition, you are taken to remote locations to observe the restoration of the building’s magnificent organ and its stunning stained glass windows.

 
Self Sacrifice: A Son, A Soldier, A Suicide Self Sacrifice:
A Son, A Soldier, A Suicide

In Self Sacrifice: A Son, A Soldier, A Suicide Gregg Keesling reflects on his family's experience, in hopes of helping us better understand the enormity of the problem of suicide in the military, and what can be done to make this bad situation better.

 
The Game Changers The Game Changers
Sunday, February 19 at 11 pm on WFYI 3

The Game Changers is the story of a unique initiative to transform American classrooms by focusing on teachers and the universities charged with training them. In 2009, the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation brought to Indiana a unique and new initiative that would identify and select high ability people in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), fund their training at select universities willing to significantly alter existing teacher training approaches, and create new teacher preparation programs that focus skills and knowledge needed for the future.

 
More Than a Game: The Indy Super Bowl Legacy More Than a Game:
The Indy Super Bowl Legacy

Monday, February 6 at 12:30 am on WFYI 1

The NFL provides seed money for building a youth center in past host cities. But the local Super Bowl Committee’s visionary leaders wanted to do things the “Indianapolis Way,” to dream bigger and promise to do something no host city has done before: partner alongside a neighborhood already in the midst of transforming their own community. More Than a Game: The Indy Super Bowl Legacy is a half-hour program chronicling the impact of the upcoming Super Bowl on the city, focusing on a section of Indianapolis that is undergoing profound change.

 
Indy in the '60s Indy in the '60s

In the '60s, simplicity was everything. Beatlemania at the Fairgrounds. The tragedy of the Coliseum Disaster. Men walked on the moon. A president was assassinated. Join WFYI for a journey with those who lived it, among them Jane Pauley, George McGinnis, Richard Lugar, and a teen cook at the Riviera Club—Mitch Daniels.

 
First In, Last Out First In, Last Out: A history of Fighting Fire in Indianapolis
Sunday, February 19 at 4 am on WFYI 1

First hand accounts as well as rare archival film and video propel this fascinating look into the past, present and future of the Indianapolis Fire Department. First In, Last Out: A History of Fighting Fire in Indianapolis is a journey inside this dangerous profession.

 
Rich Lives Rich Lives

Rich Lives explores the world of 20th century homemakers, in a stage presentation by Rita Kohn based upon an oral history compiled by Eleanor Arnold. Arnold crafted Voices of American Homemakers from interviews with more than 200 women in the mid-20th century.

 
Take 2 Take 2
Thursday, February 9 at 5 am on WFYI 1

This is the story about the long-time jazz partnership of saxophonist Frank Glover and pianist Claude Sifferlen. Produced by the late Ben Strout and Vinnie Manganello, Take 2 reveals how the musical collaboration grew into a father-son relationship. The documentary also explores how the two men dealt with Sifferlen’s diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer.

 
Into Nigeria - Dr. Mercy Obeime Into Nigeria

Images emerging from Africa are often desperate and dangerous. They many times depict missionaries or medical workers from other continents leading the way with their time, efforts and expertise to improve the lives of Africans. Into Nigeria reverses that paradigm.

 
Lead Paint Indiana’s Poisoned Children Lead Paint: Indiana’s Poisoned Children

Hoosier parents strive to keep their children safe and healthy in the face of hazards. But there is a hidden danger from the past that continues to take a toll on the youngest in our state: lead paint. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says 13,000 Indiana children suffer from lead poisoning, primarily from ingesting lead paint in their own homes. Learn why lead paint poisoning is reaching across socio-economic barriers to affect the most vulnerable of our population. Find out what you need to know about the lead paint that surrounds us and what must be done to make our environment safe for Hoosier kids.

 
Doing Virtuous Business Doing Virtuous Business

Doing Virtuous Business explores virtues such as Respect, Courage, Patience, Discipline, Compassion, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Humility, and others, and how these virtues, when put into practice, can reshape priorities, elevate organizational vision and mission, and strengthen economic and social parameters.

 
John wooden: They Call Him Coach John Wooden:
They Call Him Coach

Thursday, February 16 at 4:30 pm on WFYI 3

In rare occasions, a job title can become a term of reverence. This was the case with legendary basketball coach John Wooden. Players and peers frequently referred to Wooden simply as "Coach." John Wooden: They Call Him Coach offers some unique perspectives on the life and legacy of John Wooden.

 
Drop by Drop: Protecting Indiana's Water Supply Drop by Drop:
Protecting Indiana's Water Supply

There is no new water on planet earth. Instead, the water we have is perpetually recycled. Therefore, how we treat our water today has a direct effect not only on ourselves, but also on the health and wellbeing of our fellow Hoosiers for generations to come.

 
Together in Peace, The Making of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Peace Walk Together in Peace
The Making of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Peace Walk

Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 pm on WFYI 1

On June 30, the landscape of downtown Indianapolis will change, with the dedication of the Glick Peace Walk. This major new public art display, running along Walnut Street, on the north side of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, is a significant development in the evolution of the city’s groundbreaking project, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick.

 
Regaining the American Dream Reclaiming the American Dream

Despite the economic traumas of the past few years, the American Dream of homeownership is still possible - with appropriate preparedness. Reclaiming the American Dream profiles real people with profound stories of their journeys toward their dream. The 30-minute documentary was produced by WFYI in collaboration with the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership and funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.

 
Full Circle: The Life and Times of Edgar Whitcomb Full Circle:
The Life and Times of Edgar Whitcomb

Thursday, March 1 at 4:30 pm on WFYI 3

Men and women dream of serving their country with distinction, living a life of adventure and facing danger with courage. Few accomplish it. Edgar Whitcomb, Indiana's 43rd governor, is an exception.

 
Tough Decisions: Defending the Homeland Tough Decisions:
Defending the Homeland

Tough Decisions: Defending the Homeland is a compelling documentary that takes viewers behind-the-scenes during a groundbreaking simulation of a mock terrorist attack.

 
When Did I Get Old? Reflections on Aging Today When Did I Get Old?
Reflections on Aging Today

By traveling Indiana and looking at the lives of older adults in a wide variety of settings and situations, and through insightful conversations with a panel of leading experts, this local production explores the questions: Are there things that we can do to help minimize the rough spots in the aging process? And, are there measures we can take to maximize the opportunities unique to our older selves?

 
A Penny Saved A Penny Saved

A Penny Saved is a guide for teachers, youth program leaders and parents as they look for the most effective ways to teaching financial literacy in the Hoosier state. Focusing on the lessons taught by the public television series Biz Kid$, as well as Indiana programs and resources, A Penny Saved explores what works and what doesn't in helping kids make "cents" of their future.

 
Wind Chimes & Promises Wind chimes & Promises

The dramatization of Wind Chimes & Promises relates the memories between the Knox family's arrival in Indianapolis in 1919 and the 16th birthday of Prudence Knox Adair, the narrator, in 1926. This is a story of a person who lived in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and a story of the neighborhood and the city of Indianapolis from 1919-1926.

 
The Good That You Do/Reading, Writing 'n' Relevance The Good That You Do/
Reading, Writing 'n' Relevance

On September 17, 2009 WFYI devoted an entire evening to exploring an essential catalyst for change – the school principal – and the critical nature of leadership where children's futures are at stake. The Good That You Do and Reading, Writing 'n' Relevance were part of this education night.

 
History Rising: Conner Prairie's Balloon Adventure History Rising:
Conner Prairie's Balloon Adventure

With exclusive access to record the arrival, inflation and creation of Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit, this documentary looks at the process of putting together a major attraction.

 
Peregrinos: Pilgrims, a Musical Journey Peregrinos: Pilgrims, a Musical Journey

On February 27, 2009, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra premiered Peregrinos, an original commissioned work by world-renowned composer Gabriela Lena Frank. For over two years, Gabriela gathered stories or testimonios from Indianapolis' Latino community to compose the five movements of Peregrinos (The Pilgrims).

 
Get Help Get Hope: Addressing Indiana's Mortgage Crisis Get Help Get Hope:
Addressing Indiana's Mortgage Crisis

A half-hour program concerning assistance for Hoosiers that may lose their homes to mortgage foreclosure. Watch entire program online.

 
Soprano - Angela M. Brown Holiday Homecoming with
Angela Brown

Internationally acclaimed opera singer Angela Brown celebrates the holiday season with Maestro James Caraher, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Indianapolis Opera Chorus and the North United Methodist Church Children's Choir in a memorable holiday concert that's sure to delight and inspire the entire family. This visually and musically stunning performance was recorded in December 2006 at the historic Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, that was regally attired for the holiday season.

 
The Natural Heritage of Indiana The Natural Heritage of Indiana

Marion Jackson described his vision for the book The Natural Heritage of Indiana as "a celebration of Indiana’s natural heritage – its natural and human history, its landscape and its life – what it once was, what it is now, and what it promises to be." This television series shares that vision. Documentary filmmaker Samuel Orr is creating a series of programs that combine breathtaking videography with scientific accuracy.

 
Rick Crosslin Indiana Expeditions with Rick Crosslin

Grab your favorite adventurer’s hat and your sense of wonder and head into the amazing world of science with WFYI’s new series, Indiana Expeditions! Join one of the state’s most honored and respected teachers on a journey to discover how real science impacts our lives every day. Rick Crosslin knows science is cool – now he’s teamed up with WFYI to show kids and their teachers just how it rocks our world. From a real-life dinosaur dig to a bizarre suit made from Diet Coke, Crosslin opens eyes to the incredible things taking place around us every day. More... 

 
Jody O'Bannon's Foreign Exchange Judy O'Bannon's Foreign Exchange

Judy O'Bannon's Foreign Exchange takes viewers to fascinating places around the world and introduces them to people who are finding new ways to use mind, body and spirit to help change their world for the better. Through these travels, viewers will have the opportunity to explore issues that are relevant to all of us in this newly evolving global community. More... 

 
Reviving the Spirit
The Story of Martindale-Brightwood

Reviving the Spirit is a story of one of Indianapolis’ oldest neighborhoods. This historically African-American community emerged in the northeast side of Indianapolis as a result of forced segregation in the 1800s, and grew into a thriving and stable environment. The area has experienced economic decline and increased crime, but this locally-produced documentary also focuses on the determination of residents to maintain the pride and stability that are hallmarks of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and to tackle such daunting issues as environmental contamination. More...

Reviving the Spirit: The Story of Martindale-Brightwood was made possible through a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

 
River Kawai Lest We Forget

Lest We Forget is a personal recollection of World War II from the unique perspective of Columbus, Indiana resident Gustav Potthoff, a survivor of the Japanese slave labor camp responsible for the building of the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai. More...

 
Well Done, Indiana

Well Done, Indiana blends historical photos, soldiers’ letters, reenactments and interviews to portray Indiana’s role in the fight to preserve the Union. More...

 
The Wabash:
Life on the Bright White River

The Wabash is Indiana’s river. Its story of beauty and inspiration, of exploration and discovery, is the story of how we became who we are, both as a state…and as a nation. More...

 
Return of the Cicadas Return of the Cicadas
Thursday, March 15 at 4 pm on WFYI 3

WFYI presents Return of the Cicadas, an original local documentary produced in association with the Indiana University Research and Teaching Preserve. Producer Samuel Orr followed the life cycle of Brood X, which made its momentous ascension in the spring of 2004. It accounted for one of the largest insect outbreaks on Earth. Many different broods exist, on unique 17-year schedules.

 
The Hope Givers

The Hope Givers, follows this group of Hoosiers as it makes the journey to the L’Heure Joyeuse clinic half-a-world away, bringing with them a message of help and of hope. It is a message born from the optimism of the Heartland and carried by Hoosier hands willing to work for change. More...

 
For Gold and Glory For Gold And Glory
Sunday, February 12 at 11 pm on WFYI 3

The film explores the little-known heritage of an African-American auto racing circuit known as the Gold and Glory Sweepstakes. Set against a backdrop of racial unrest in the region during the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, this annual auto race offered African-American drivers and mechanics a venue for competition at a time when social prejudice prevented many blacks from taking part in motor sports events. More...

 
Indiana Lawmakers Indiana Lawmakers

This award-winning WFYI Public Television production provides Hoosiers with comprehensive coverage of the Indiana legislative sessions. Since its inception in 1981, Indiana Lawmakers has evolved from a series of short field reports to a weekly in-depth examination of the issues and agendas before the state legislature. Host, Jon Schwantes, of Dispatch Broadcasting, heads the production team. Each week he takes you behind the closed doors of the Statehouse and face-to-face with the women and men of state government who make things happen. Indiana Lawmakers is a co-operative production of WFYI TV 20 and the other member stations of IPBS (Indiana's Public Broadcasting Stations). More...

 
Indiana Week In Review Indiana Week In Review

Hoosiers "in the know" are getting their answers from the show that does the talking: Indiana Week In Review. You may watch for the news, but you'll stay for the no-holds-barred debate and discussion. More...

 
Inside INdiana Business Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

This innovative, fast-paced, one hour weekly program is produced by Grow Indiana Media Ventures in the studios of WFYI. The series focuses on news and issues affecting Indiana business, with special attention paid to the growing technology sector. The series is hosted by Gerry Dick of Grow Indiana Media Ventures, L.L.C. Each episode includes popular segments such as the CEO Profile, Mark Patton's Indiana Stock Report and the Business Spotlight and Inside Technology, a focus on Indiana's role in the new high tech economy. More...