WPCNR Red Light. By John F. Bailey. April 4, 2005, UPDATED 11:00 E.D.T.: Fred Strauss, Director  of Cabletelevision for and Public Access television station, WPPA-TV, “The Spirit of 76,” home to the county’s best lineup of citizen-produced television shows such as Beyond the Game, Winbrook Like it Is, the syndicated Happiness Show, and mentor/pioneer/conceiver of  the county’s best and only local news show, White Plains Week, is stepping down. Mr. Strauss' retirement was confirmed by an advertisement, appearing in The Journal News classified section Sunday and The New York Times. The ad was also placed in the trade publication of The Alliance for Community Media at the suggestionof the White Plains Cable Commission, according to City  Personnel Director, Betty Wallace.

Lou Grant Stepping Down?:  Fred Strauss, the personable, committed facilitator of free speech on cable in White Plains for two decades will be leaving "Master Control" at WPPA-TV (Public Access 76)and WPGA-TV (Government Access Channel 75). No date yet has been set for Mr. Strauss' departure. Photo by WPCNR News.

Calling all Lou Grants: Mr. Strauss is, according to sources retiring with his wife, Nancy Strauss, (who retired from her position with the City School District last month), to Santa Fe, New Mexico. A lone ad, buried in the Journal-News  Sunday appeared to confirm Mr. Strauss’ planned departure. It is unclear at this time whether the advertisement is also being placed in national television/broadcast trade publications. Photo by WPCNR News.

Mr. Strauss supervises seven days of 6 hours a day programming on the White Plains Public Access Channel 76 and Government Channel 75..

Mrs. Strauss (Nancy) exclusively supervises the Educational Station, channel 77. Mr. Strauss is not involved with the day-to-day programming of that channel as previously reported. 

Mr. Strauss supervised the design of the studios of White Plains Public Access Television in the early 1980s. He organizes tapings of common council meetings and recording of city events, sets policy and aids citizens in producing programs. Programs are free form. Censorship is unheard-of, and relations with telecast talent and producers are cordial, welcoming, and highly cooperative under his genial patronage.

Strauss earlier in the year told this reporter he hoped to take a hand in the negotiations the city is beginning this year on a new contract with Cablevision. Now, depending on when Strauss sets his departure, that may fall to his successor, or the city.

Mr. Strauss is the first and only Director of Cabletelevision White Plains has had. He built the station, has brought it to where it is today. He will be missed.