Positively Connecticut™ began as a series of features Diane Smith made famous during her 16 years as a news anchor and reporter at WTNH-TV8 (the ABC affiliate in New Haven). After leaving WTNH, Smith joined Ray Dunaway as co-host of the top-rated Morning Show on WTIC-AM News Talk 1080 and Positively Connecticut™ found a new home on CPTV. Smith has received two Emmy Award nominations for her Positively Connecticut™ series.

The inspiring features from the show are the basis for Smith’s books, which are available in bookstores throughout the United States. Her latest book, Summer in Connecticut, A Positively Connecticut Book (The Globe Pequot Press, 2004), was released in June 2004. Smith is also the author of Positively Connecticut (The Globe Pequot Press, 1998), Absolutely Positively Connecticut (The Globe Pequot Press, 2000) and Christmas in Connecticut (Globe Pequot Press 2001).

“For over 150 years, we at People’s Bank have always been committed to Connecticut,” said John Klein, president, chairman and chief executive officer of People’s Bank. “That’s why we’re delighted to help Diane Smith introduce us to so many of the interesting people and places that make Connecticut special.”

“The Commission on Culture & Tourism is pleased to be a partner in promoting Connecticut. Positively Connecticut™ is a marvelous look at some of the state’s greatest treasures and reminds Connecticut residents of how easy it is to connect with the best things right here at home,” said Jennifer Aniskovich, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.

“Positively Connecticut™ is the perfect way to renew your sense of pride in Connecticut,” said Jerry Franklin, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Public Brodacsting, Inc., parent company of CPTV. “Diane has hand-picked a collection of special stories about Connecticut places, people and pastimes that are well worth celebrating.”

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including Teens Behind the Wheel, Wall of Fire, In Our Prime, Barney & Friends, Alan Alda in Scientific American Frontiers, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends and UConn Women's Basketball games. Now in its 43rd year, CPTV remains committed to bringing the best in educational and entertaining programming and services to Connecticut and the nation.