VPM to Air “Life in the Heart Land” November 11th Focusing on Unique Solutions to Rural Challenges

Date: November 9, 2021

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tish Blackwell, 800-846-2272 (tblackwell@barcelectric.com)

Millboro, VA – BARC Electric Cooperative (BARC) announced Monday that the cooperative’s broadband project will be featured on the first episode of “Life in the Heart Land”, a new series airing on VPM/PBS. The show dives deep into the heart of America to meet the neighbors, communities and organizations that are creating unique solutions to rural America’s toughest challenges. Facing formidable obstacles, these collaborators are breaking down divides and roadblocks to build new pathways to meaningful, positive outcomes that have the power to inspire empathy and action and to transform other communities across the nation. In rural America, you can find solutions around every bend.

The first episode, “Connection”, explores the innovative ways Virginia electric co-ops like BARC Electric Cooperative, in Millboro, VA, are tackling the lack of broadband access for their communities. In rural parts of Virginia, one-third of residents lack access to high-speed Internet. Without it, individuals are excluded from opportunities in business, education, health care and more. Major carriers can’t make it cost-effective to serve low-density areas, and government funding for broadband infrastructure has been minimal. Electric cooperatives are finding innovative ways to provide internet access to these areas.

BARC began construction on the co-op’s broadband project in 2017 as part of its mission to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. Today, broadband is viewed as the fourth utility, on par with electric, water and gas services, as a need people have at both home and work. Without reliable Internet service, communities are left behind when it comes to education, economic development opportunities and telehealth, to name a few.

“In solving our own unique communication problem for the cooperative, we were able to take this vision a step further and solve the digital divide issue for our consumers and community as well,” said BARC CEO Mike Keyser. “All BARC staff has touched this broadband project in some way. To have our story aired on VPM/PBS is a true honor and we are thrilled to have the evolving cooperative story told to a wider Virginia audience.”

BARC fiber construction continues in Rockbridge, Bath and Augusta counties now, with plans to complete the overall project in 2024. BARC remains committed in doing their part to providing world-class Internet service over fiber to ensure community and economic stability.

The show will premiere on Thursday, November 11th at 8:00 pm. There are several opportunities to watch:

VPM PBS

• Premiere Air Date: November 11, 8:00 p.m.

• Additional Air Dates: November 13, 6:30 p.m. & November 14, 8:30 a.m.

VPM Plus

• December 2, 9:30 p.m.

STREAM (Anytime starting November 11)

• YouTube

• PBS App