CPB, PBS to evaluate Challenge Fund

CPB has released its FY 2009 Business Plan, which details use of discretionary funds. Up for evaluation is the Challenge Fund, a joint effort with PBS to fund programs that draw a larger audience. “We will investigate alternative methods for attracting and developing these projects,” according to the plan. The 10-part PBS series Carrier, which won widespread critical acclaim, was a Challenge Fund project. CPB also will select one or more of the seven project prototypes in the American History & Civics Initiative for full production funding. The American Archive project moves ahead with grants to stations and content producers to digitize and preserve local content. The two-year-old Local Service Initiative matching grant program will be scrutinized “with a view towards making appropriate adjustments to the initiative in future grant rounds.” The full 14-page document is available online.