TUCSON, Ariz. — KUAT-TV's weeknight newsmagazine, Arizona Illustrated, entered its 25th year in September 2004. It made its debut on September 30, 1980.

Founded on an idea that is still novel in these days of headline news and 10-second sound bites, the program has thrived by providing in-depth reports and thoughtful analysis.

During his 17 years with the program, managing editor and anchor Bill Buckmaster has interviewed nearly 4,000 people. He says, "It's a unique service to this community. I look at it as a town square, where the issues on the minds of people who live here are discussed and debated."

Arizona Illustrated focuses on local politics, the arts, the economy, education, science and technology, the environment, health and immigration.

Arizona Illustrated is the only television program that provides comprehensive coverage of all the local political races. The "Friday Roundtable" has become the area's premier forum for discussion of political issues, with newsmakers and reporters from the Arizona Daily Star, the Tucson Citizen and the Tucson Weekly participating.

Buckmaster brings a wealth of 35 years of news experience to the anchor desk. He has been nominated for five Emmy Awards. In 2003, the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Television Academy inducted him into its prestigious Silver Circle Society in honor of his lifetime achievements in broadcasting.

Executive producer Hector Gonzalez has headed the staff of Arizona Illustrated for two decades. He says, "My goal has always been to reflect the unique character of Tucson and Southern Arizona – the people, the history and the culture."

One of the characteristics that distinguishes the program is its outstanding photojournalism. Emmy Award-winning senior videographer, Martin Rubio, says, "The format of the show allows us to creatively expand storytelling through the photographic medium."

Many people are surprised when they find out that a paid crew of 22 students performs behind-the-scenes technical functions. While attending the University of Arizona, they gain valuable hands-on experience in a professional, real-world setting. They do everything from directing the live broadcasts to providing technical assistance on location and operating studio cameras.

Robert Lindberg, studio supervisor, says some of the students have moved up to large markets and to positions at CNN, Court TV and other national outlets because of the experience they gained at KUAT.

Jack Parris, director and general manager of the KUAT Communications Group, proudly states, "Not many areas in the U.S. have a program such as Arizona Illustrated; fewer than 20 PBS affiliates provide nightly local public affairs programming."

Arizona Illustrated airs weeknights at 6:30 and repeats at midnight.

For more information, contact Pamela Dickens at 520-621-7358, or visit KUAT's Web site: http://kuat.org