Public Television Pioneer honored for long time service

WGVU-TV's Chuck Furman is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the television industry that have spanned more than 30 years. Furman, assistant general manager in charge of Community Relations for WGVU, has been selected to receive the Silver Circle Award by the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

'It is overwhelming. I am proud and honored to be nominated for this award,' said Furman. 'I'm delighted that my colleagues felt I deserved such an award.'

The Silver Circle honors those who have devoted a quarter century or more of service to the television industry. In 1972, Furman helped launch WGVU-TV, West Michigan Public Television. He developed the station's initial operation components and became it s first program director. Furman was responsible for all on-air program schedules, including ITV, Instructional Television for schools and home-school families. Today, WGVU offers Michigan's only full-service Instructional Television serving more than 200,000 school children.

'I am the only remaining person on board that was at WGVU when the station first began,' said Furman. 'I remember when video recording and cable were new technologies,' he said.

'I'm so delighted for Chuck and his family. There isn't anyone more deserving,' said Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations at Grand Valley. 'Chuck is a mentor, friend, and colleague to everyone who works at WGVU.'

After serving as program director, Furman became assistant general manager in charge of Community Relations in 1980, a position he still holds today. In 1984, WGVU-TV expanded to include Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan. Furman helped to develop initial operation components for the new station, WGVK-TV.

'PBS is so fortunate to have Fred Rogers, WGVU has Chuck Furman,' said Michael T. Walenta, general manager of WGVU-TV/WGVK-TV. 'Chuck represents the integrity, values, and commitment that WGVU stands for.'

Furman will be honored at a ceremony at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Sunday, March 14.