WTVP saw a unique opportunity to “enhance lives in the community in engaging and relevant ways” (our mission) through the acquisition and revitalization of Peoria Magazine (www.peoriamagazines.com). The monthly magazine advances the station’s mission utilizing a valued and viable media channel.
WTVP is the only locally owned broadcast media outlet and is now the only regional broadcast entity with a monthly print publication — a truly unique market position.
The station’s Board of Directors considers Peoria Magazine an outreach initiative of WTVP. The acquisition was funded by a restricted gift from a generous supporter — no WTVP membership gifts or funds were used. After acquiring the magazine title and its signature events in December 2021, WTVP started from scratch to rejuvenate and reinvent the publication. A total redesign resulted in a classic look that better reflects the community, the region and the editorial tone.
Simultaneous with the revival of the print magazine in March 2022, WTVP resumed publication of Peoria Magazine Weekly, an email digest of news for business leaders and the general public. As of July 2022, six issues of the magazine have been published, with a total circulation increase of 53 percent over pre-acquisition numbers.
In addition to 12 monthly issues, Peoria Magazine publishes the Community Impact Guide, an annual directory of the Peoria area nonprofit community. Special editions of the magazine highlight Local Legends, Women of Influence and 40 Leaders Under Forty. A small business issue spotlights the recipients of annual small business awards given by Bradley University’s Turner Center for Entrepreneurship.
The addition of television options for print advertisers, the Community Impact Guide and other events creates new value for advertisers and supporters while raising awareness of underwriting opportunities on WTVP. Community events bring important community leaders and influencers together in an atmosphere of collaboration. It is hoped that new awareness of WTVP, its facilities and capabilities will solidify and expand corporate and/or underwriting support.
An additional spin-off of Peoria Magazine is a new WTVP-produced program, You Gotta See This! by Peoria Magazine (https://www.wtvp.org/local-programs/you-gotta-see-this/). The half-hour show explores noteworthy and sometimes offbeat people, places and experiences in central Illinois—a new touchpoint with our traditional television audience.