Bay City Highlighted on PBS Series UTR: Under The Radar

Special Preview Event at the State Theatre Friday March 30

March 21, 2012
By: O. J. Cunningham

The host and crew of the award winning PBS series, UTR: Under The Radar, are coming back to town for a Special Preview of their upcoming episode about Bay City, Michigan. This free event will take place at noon, Friday, March 30, 2012 at the State Theatre.

The Bay City episode will start running statewide in April with the first showing on Detroit public television Saturday, April 7. It will eventually run on every PBS station in Michigan, plus stations in the Midwest and Canada.

UTR host Tom Daldin and producer Jim Edelman first came to Bay City in early January 2012 to "scout" for an upcoming segment for the 2012 season. They met with Candace Bales, Executive Director of the Bay City Downtown Management Board & Development Authority, and spent the afternoon touring the community to help determine locations, stories and interviewees for the upcoming filming.

On January 25 the UTR crew returned and spent 9 hours interviewing and shooting throughout the community. Sitting in an antique car, Daldin chatted with Dave Cotton, owner of the Bay City Motor Company, got lost in the Bay Antique Center, did an interview on the seventh floor balcony of the riverfront Jennison Condominiums and visited the historically restored State Theatre.

Daldin commented, "Bay City is one of those unique towns that really encompasses all the great things about living in Michigan. From the historic downtown and beautiful neighborhoods, to the waterfront and incredible festivals and special events, it really is a great place to be. We enjoyed our time In Bay City so much that we can't wait to get back."

In 2010 Daldin and Edelman pitched an idea to Detroit PBS executives for a series about traveling the state of Michigan From that collaboration UTR: Under The Radar was created premiering in late June 2011. Based on the show's success, UTR has found a great corporate sponsor to help keep it going. Nearly half of their $1 million annual operating budget comes from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority who recognized that funding UTR was a natural extension of the state organization's message.

In each half hour program, two communities are highlighted, with Lexington sharing the Bay City episode. Host Tom Daldin's on-air style as a small-town reporter helps interviewees show off their knowledge and passion about their city. Daldin's hosting skills have a special way of making the information entertaining, encouraging people to visit places they may know little or nothing about.

Bales noted, "We are so excited that Tom and Jim not only suggested the preview at the State, but offered to attend. Our UTR episode is a great way for viewers throughout the state and Midwest to learn about this special place. The exposure will truly help make sure Bay City is no longer under the radar!"