Germantown to be featured on ‘Information Matrix’ on PBS
If you’ve ever wanted to catch sight of Germantown on the small screen, tune in to your public broadcasting station this winter. The city will be featured on an upcoming episode of the program “Information Matrix,” an independently produced show that airs on PBS.
The documentary-style program, which highlights advances in education, medicine, technology and other fields, interviewed Germantown officials and residents and shot footage around town Sept. 12. “Information Matrix” is hosted by Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor Laurence Fishburne.
Ben Wilson, vice president of production for the program, said the show features other municipalities, including Hopewell, Virginia; Socorro, Texas; Davis, California; and Gardner, Kansas. He said the program’s research department was looking for cities that would fit the definition of “communities on the rise.”
“Germantown, based on its amenities and available resources, seemed like a perfect fit for what we were trying to achieve with our educational programming,” Wilson said.
He said the intent of the episode was to “educate audiences on available opportunities” in cities and towns across the country that have seen growth.
“Our program will continue to feature communities that are evolving and offer something unique to the public,” Wilson said.
The 30-minute program has featured topics ranging from developments in reconstructive surgery to global peace initiatives and cloud technology.
On Sept. 12, “Information Matrix” personnel interviewed Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo; chamber of commerce President Janie Day; Elissa Strat
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ton, Germantown Municipal School District executive director of human resources; and Eric Bolton, CEO of Midamerica Apartment Communities Inc. The interviews were filmed at MAA'S offices, on the fifth floor of the Travure office building.
Interview questions focused on what creates an “ideal community” and how planning, school systems and the business community combine to make a city a desirable place to live. The producers prodded the interviewees to speak generally, rather than giving a sales pitch for the city of Germantown, a task that prompted several takes of the same question in a few instances.
Stratton spoke mostly about how she sees education fitting into a community.
“When I think of an ideal community, a thriving public school system is the first thought that comes to my mind,” she said. “Schools are the cornerstone of any great community.”
Later in the day, Germantown city staff took the production crews around the city for additional filming at Riverdale Elementary School, Fire Station 4, Thornwood — where they visited Bella Vita and Buff City Soap — Mozelle Boutique and A Beautiful Soul.
Wilson said the episode featuring Germantown is expected to air in late 2019 or early 2020 but did not provide a date.
Corinne Kennedy is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.kennedy @Commercialappeal.com.