System/Policy
Stations face 2.5 percent dues hike in PBS’s proposed 2016 budget
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If approved, the proposed assessment increase will go toward general audience programming.
KQED
KQED tries out Square Cash to boost mobile giving
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KQED joined up with Square when the mobile payment processor expanded its Square Cash app to include nonprofits and businesses.
Programs/Content
Al Letson brings his storytelling voice to new podcast Errthang
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Al Letson is channeling his talents as a slam poet and performer into a new podcast.
Programs/Content
Technicians’ union objects to NPR proposal to reduce job protections
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The union supporting NPR’s engineers and audio technicians is pushing back against new contract proposals.
People
Four new staffers at Colorado Public Radio, Marketplace hires a reporter and more comings and goings in pubmedia
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WFPL-FM, part of Louisville Public Media in Kentucky, has hired Tara Anderson as arts and culture correspondent.
People
Longtime GPB producer, writer Gerald Bryant dies at 69
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“For years, Gerald was the epicenter of everything creative at GPB,” said a colleague.
Quick Takes
Friday roundup: Jarl Mohn, James Baker and an NPR gap in the Caribbean
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Our guide to the news and links you might have missed this week.
Documentaries
Final listening tour event taps filmmakers for ideas
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Representatives from PBS spurred discussion about promotion, distribution and scheduling of independent films on public TV.
Ethics
NPR clarifies its code of ethics for acquired shows
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NPR has updated its ethics handbook to clarify how it applies to hosts such as Diane Rehm, whose advocacy work prompted a review.
Programs/Content
After six seasons, Downton Abbey will close its gilded doors
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PBS is hoping “to make the coming year a celebration of Downton Abbey,” PBS President Paula Kerger said.
"The Pub" Podcast
The Pub #11: FAQ on copyright and fair use; How long should podcasts be?
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Public media people often take some liberties with copyright. Are they legal, or should they be?
Podcasting
PodScanning: NPR is building a podcast discovery tool
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Learn more about NPR’s soon-to-launch podcast discovery tool. Plus, more news from the world of public radio podcasting.
spectrum auction
CPB Board spectrum committee sends TV CSG proposals to full board
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The proposals clarify key financial issues surrounding the FCC’s spectrum auctions, which could bring millions of dollars to stations.
Programs/Content
Morning Edition hosts need vacation days, too
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Some get stretched thin, but the downside of getting overworked shouldn’t be ignored.
Development
New Greater Public council aims to help stations grow digital revenue
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Greater Public is convening a council to help public media leaders lay groundwork for boosting digital revenue.
Ethics
NPR to update ethics code, define when personal becomes political for show hosts
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NPR is clarifying ambiguities in its ethics code about the role of talk show hosts after a flap over Diane Rehm’s participation in fundraising activities for a right-to-die organization.
Quick Takes
Friday roundup: Spot.us, Radiolab’s Austin tour, lessons from Sesame Workshop and more
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What we’ve been reading this week.
Television programs
Masterpiece revives literary tradition with Wolf Hall, a complex tale of Thomas Cromwell’s rise
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This miniseries is no Downton Abbey — heads are rolled, not pie dough.
People
Danny Schechter, filmmaker and outspoken media critic, dies at 72
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Schechter, known when he began his career in 1970 as “The News Dissector” on WBCN-FM in Boston, went on to become an award-winning producer.
SXSW
Our Storify of public media tweets from SXSW Interactive
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A roundup of insights and comments from several public media sessions at the annual conference.