CEO of Knowledge Network Rudy Buttignol has completed his much-anticipated visit to Powell River, speaking with local prominent figures and touring the city.
The visit, which lasted from August 15 to 16, came as part of a BC-wide tour undertaken by Knowledge Network aiming to share the story of the network and, in turn, hear the stories of its viewers.
During both a Powell River Chamber of Commerce luncheon and a Rotary Club of Powell River dinner, Buttignol emphasized the importance of independence in film and television.
“Canadians deserve a place where independent voices can always be found,” said Buttignol, adding that Knowledge Network aims to provide that place.
As well as sharing his story, Buttignol wanted to hear the stories of viewers. “It’s great to come out to communities like Powell River to meet the people who support us and hear from these people what’s important to them,” he explained. “It’s important for an organization that’s about education to have this public awareness.”
Meetings with officials, as well as members of the public, took place throughout the CEO’s visit. Buttignol talked with City of Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa, president of Powell River Chamber of Commerce Jack Barr, and others about the issues arising from living in Powell River.
“I learned a lot about the challenges small communities face when they’ve been based on one major resource industry and the kind of impact that can have on the community when that resource industry is in decline,” he said, adding that Powell River residents seem to have a unique sense of pride in their city. “It’s almost like everybody was thinking, ‘When are you going to move to Powell River?’” he said, laughing.
Michelle Hignell, assistant director of Powell River Film Festival, was another person Buttignol met. Afterward he said talking to her gave him “a real taste of what the challenges are for local filmmakers.”
Hignell said she thinks the Knowledge Network initiative to hear viewers’ stories is great. “It’s kind of a two-way thing,” she continued, “because locals here get to learn more about their public broadcaster, but it’s also a chance for the city folk to connect with a rural outpost and find out what we need and want.”
A copy of Defining Diversity, Creating Community, a locally-made documentary telling the stories of the diverse residents of Powell River, was presented to the CEO during the meeting. Other local filmmakers also brought work to Buttignol for consideration.
Buttignol took tours of the city, including Townsite and Lund, visiting sites such as Nancy’s Bakery, Catalyst Paper Corporation’s Powell River mill and Patricia Theatre.
One of his favourite parts of his trip, he admitted, was the ferry ride. “I don’t come from that experience, and I don’t have to do it every day, so it’s fun for me,” he explained. “I think it’s a reflection of what life is like in coastal BC.”
Something that has emerged both out of this trip and the others he has taken, explained Buttignol, is how many people don’t know Knowledge Network is BC’s public broadcaster. As a result, the network will be rebranding itself in the fall, emphasizing its ties to the province.
“I’m always amazed at how people don’t make the connection of Knowledge Network being BC’s public broadcaster,” Buttignol said, “but some people do really love us, and it’s great to experience that first hand.”
