My Public Media Story

Julie Lonon is the previous Director of Development for ETV Endowment. 

There weren't many children's programming options in the late 70's and early 80's, so like a lot of people my age, I grew up watching Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. But I didn't discover public radio until I was in graduate school studying political science and international relations. The national and global political reporting is so strong and provides such depth and it became a staple of my news diet.

As an adult, I love SCETV and SC Public Radio because they give the people of South Carolina a trusted and valuable source of news, wonderful and beautifully-created dramas like Downton Abbey, children’s programming that is curriculum-based and helps ready children for school, educational nature programming that explains the marvelous and complex biosphere we live in and travel programs that facilitate greater understanding of people, places and cultures across the world.

The programming on SCETV and SC Public Radio has never been better and I only see the appeal continuing to grow. But SCETV and SC Public Radio are only as strong as the support we receive from our donors. They're who truly makes all of this possible and I'd love to say, "Thank you!" to everyone of our donors.

What I love about ETV Endowment donors is that they are so smart and interesting. They come from all over the world and all over the state. They represent different ethnicities, professions, education levels, socioeconomic statuses. They are young and old and everything in between. I love getting to meet with our donors, hearing their stories and learning why they choose to support the Endowment.

In 2017, the Endowment earned the Charity Navigator 4-Star rating for the 6th year in a row. The Endowment spends $.82  of every dollar on programming. We work very hard to be fiscally responsible and transparent.