PBS has revealed the finalists of this year’s CPB/PBS Diversity and Innovation Fund (Current, April 19) request for proposals. More than 200 submissions were received in response to the RFP, PBS said. Sixteen now advance to panel review.
They include State of the Re:Union TV from WGBH, a television version of the radio show that wrapped production on its second season this fall (Current, Aug. 9). Host Al Letson travels the country in search of “real America,” finding along the way compelling characters and “unveiling what makes our diverse country one nation.”
Another finalist is It’s All Relative with Farai Chideya, former host of NPR’s News & Notes, a casualty of NPR budget cuts in March 2009. The program finds Americans who have a connection to another country, and joins them on a “dream trip” to reconnect with their homeland.
The Diversity and Innovation Fund aims to provide the National Program Service with resources to support content to expand viewership in diverse audiences both online and on TV.
The entire list of the 16 shows is available online.