Got a unique talent? WVPT, the PBS station serving the Shenandoah Valley and Central and Northern Virginia, announced today the launch of TALENT WAR$ @wvpt, a contest allowing viewers across the state to show off their abilities on the web and support public television at the same time.
From Sept. 1 to Jan. 3, 2012, contestants can upload videos to a secure website and invite their friends and family to vote for them. Winners will be announced the first week of January.
“Talent is in the eyes of the beholder,” said David Mullins, the president and general manager of WVPT. “We invite and encourage people throughout our region and beyond to participate and provide videos of whatever their talent may be. It’s easy, it’s safe and it’s fun. And you will be supporting public television!”
As of July 1, state funding for public broadcasting decreased, resulting in a loss of more than $200,000 for WVPT. Mullins said TALENT WAR$ @wvpt is a way for the station to reach out modestly for support while offering the opportunity for viewers to showcase their talents.
“By raising support from our communities, we’re helping ensure that we can continue to deliver the valued programs and services that we’ve provided for the last 43 years,” he said. “We hope that as people become aware of the contest and communicate about it through Facebook, Twitter and other social media, it will become a popular contest for participants.”
Viewers are encouraged to submit a video of their talent to WVPT by posting it on the station’s secure contest website. Anyone can view the videos, select their favorite and “vote” for the video by making a donation to WVPT via the website. Every dollar “donated” equals one “vote” for the video. The three participants with the most $1 “votes” by the conclusion of the contest will win a first place award of $3,000, a second place award of $2,000 and a third place award of $1,000.
To enter TALENT WAR$ @wvpt, visit talentwars.wvpt.net.
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