For Immediate Release:
September 18, 2008
Contact:
Craig Henderson, 703-998-2086
chenderson@weta.com
WETA TV 26 EXPLORES TWO OF WASHINGTON’S MOST
BUSY LOCAL LANDMARKS
Washington National Cathedral – WETA All Access Premieres
October 15 at 8 p.m.
Union Station – WETA All Access Premieres
October 15 at 8:30 p.m.
Washington, D.C.— In October, WETA All Access will explore the history,
architecture, people and activities that make up two of Washington’s most active
landmarks in two half-hour WETA-produced documentaries to be broadcast on
WETA TV 26, Kevin Harris, vice president and television station manager at
WETA, announced today. Washington National Cathedral – WETA All Access
premieres Wednesday, October 15 at 8 p.m., followed by Union Station – WETA
All Access at 8:30 p.m.
“Washington National Cathedral and Union Station receive millions of visitors
from across the globe ranging from presidents to everyday travelers,” said
Harris. “These programs will provide an in-depth look at these thriving modern
landmarks located in the District of Columbia.”
Washington National Cathedral – WETA All Access takes a look at the grand
cathedral, which towers over the District from the top of Mount St. Alban in
Northwest. WETA All Access explores the story of the magnificent structure — its
intriguing architectural and stone carvings, as well as the daily rituals from
morning chapel to evensong — that make the landmark a very special place for
visitor and worshiper alike. The documentary spotlights the employees that
provide musical enjoyment, offer spiritual blessings and who walk the
cathedral’s beautifully adorned aisles. The program also examines the more than
200 stained-glass windows and beautiful artwork, which includes elaborate
needlepoint, ironwork and woodwork adorning the various chapels and
highlights the many ceremonies that have taken place on the sacred grounds
including the state funerals of three U.S. presidents.
Union Station – WETA All Access explores one of the area’s most beautiful and
storied destinations and Washington’s most bustling transportation hub with
more than 32 million visitors each year. In addition to highlighting the elaborate
Beaux-Arts architectural style, this WETA All Access showcases Union Station as
one of Washington’s unique attractions for travel, entertainment and even
church. This program also explores how for decades Union Station has served as
the gateway to the city, hosting the arrival of distinguished visitors from the
Beatles to European royalty. Union Station – WETA All Access takes viewers
through the station’s rich history to its current state as one of the most popular
special events venues in the city, hosting corporate soirées, charitable fundraisers
and inaugural balls.
After the broadcasts of Washington National Cathedral – WETA All Access and
Union Station – WETA All Access, the programs will be available on the WETA
media player, WETA Watch Online, at www.weta.org/video. Featuring more than
100 videos, WETA Watch Online includes the latest videos from WETA TV 26
local productions such as WETA Hometown Heroes, The WETA Guide and WETA
Extras.
Each episode of WETA All Access provides viewers a behind-the-scenes look at
one Greater Washington business, institution or event. Episodes of WETA All
Access include Metro, a feature on the D.C., transit system; The Aquarium, a profile
of the National Aquarium in Baltimore; The FBI Academy, an exploration of the
rigorous FBI training program; and the recent installment, NASA Goddard Space
Flight Center, a feature on the extraterrestrial and earthbound work of the
pioneering space center.
WETA TV 26 and Classical WETA 90.9 FM are public broadcasting stations
serving Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia with educational,
cultural, and news and public affairs programming and related services. WETA
is committed to producing programs that highlight the history and people of the
Greater Washington area. WETA produces WETA Neighborhoods, The WETA
Guide, WETA Around Town, WETA Hometown Heroes and WETA Extras,
spotlighting local people, places and events. WETA’s headquarters is located in
Arlington, Virginia. For more information on WETA and its services, visit
www.weta.org. Sharon Percy Rockefeller is president and CEO of WETA.
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