Public television offered in Spanish

Public television programming is now available in Spanish in parts of the Shenandoah Valley, including Shenandoah County.

V-me began broadcasting in October using WVPT's signal on Shentel digital cable (channel 11) and on Comcast digital cable in the Harrisonburg and Staunton/Waynesboro areas (channel 202), as well as over the air in homes with digital receivers.

WVPT in Harrisonburg was one of only about 50 public television stations in the country to receive permission from the FCC last year to carry the all-Spanish-language network, according to General Manager David Mullins.

"We felt, and still feel, that this is a valuable community service to the growing Hispanic community in Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley, and an extension of our mission to serve the community as a unique resource," Mullins said.

Like PBS, V-me features a mix of children's and adult programming, including original productions, exclusive premieres and acquisitions, and the best of public television adapted for Latinos, according to WVPT's Web site. Programming is divided into four categories: Kids, Lifestyle, Factual and Current Affairs, and Movies and Special Events.

V-me is currently not available in the Winchester/Front Royal area except over the air using a digital antenna.

-- Daily Staff Report