South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) honors the legacy of Rudy Mancke, host of NatureScene and NatureNotes, with a special 30-minute documentary airing on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. on ETV-HD. Rudy Mancke: The Naturalist looks back at the extraordinary life and career of this conservationist, teacher, husband, father and friend.
Rudy Mancke’s first job out of school was also a first for South Carolina. He was hired as the South Carolina State Museum’s first curator of natural history. The role instigated a partnership with SCETV producers who quickly realized that Rudy Mancke could turn a 30-minute walk in the woods into a field trip full of discovery. NatureScene, which Mancke co-hosted with SCETV’s Beryl Dakers, premiered in 1978 and took viewers on an outdoor adventure. Five years later, the show was nationally distributed. NatureScene ran for an impressive 25 years and was aired on public television stations across the U.S.
NatureNotes aired on SC Public Radio from 1999 until Rudy Mancke’s death in 2023. To commemorate his legacy, friends and colleagues gathered for a one-hour live special on SCETV called Remembering Rudy. Earlier in 2023, Mancke had been honored by SC Public Radio for his remarkable contributions to public radio and the state. Rudy Mancke was also inducted posthumously into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in January 2024.
In addition to the broadcast premiere, Rudy Mancke: The Naturalist will re-air on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. on ETV-HD and can be streamed on scetv.org.
QUOTES
“Rudy Mancke's passion for the natural world not only inspired countless viewers but also deepened our connection to the environment around us. This documentary is a tribute to his remarkable journey as a naturalist, educator and storyteller, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that nature holds.”–SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"At SCETV, we take pride in illuminating the extraordinary life and career of naturalist Rudy Mancke, whose passion for nature taught us all to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us."–SCETV Interim Director of Television Cheryl Nunnley
“Rudy Mancke embodied the spirit of curiosity and connection to nature. Through his talent, we explore not just the wonders of the natural world, but the profound impact it has on our understanding of life itself. I am honored to have had the opportunity to share Rudy’s story through the eyes of those who knew and loved him.”–SCETV Producer Mark Adams
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will honor the life and legacy of Rudy Mancke with a 30-minute documentary on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. on ETV-HD.
- Rudy Mancke: the Naturalist tells the life story of the host of NatureScene and NatureNotes through interviews with friends, family and colleagues.
- NatureScene premiered on SCETV in 1978, became nationally distributed and ran for 25 years.
- Rudy Mancke hosted NatureNotes on SC Public Radio from 1999 until his death.
- Rudy Mancke passed away in 2023 and was inducted posthumously into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 2024.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337