System/Policy
Michigan station receives first public TV ATSC 3.0 license
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The station will also create an innovation lab to explore ATSC 3.0 opportunities for public media.
Programs/Content
Hallmark to air White House event opposite PBS’ ‘A Capitol Fourth’
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The National Park Service, a sponsor of PBS’ live broadcast, has partnered with the cable network to produce the special.
Quick Takes
Source sues NPR over report on retracted Fox News story
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NPR said in a statement that it “stands behind David Folkenflik’s reporting.”
Quick Takes
Senate panel proposes level FY21 funding for CPB, $20M for interconnection
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The final legislation is expected to come before the full Appropriations panel for a vote Thursday.
People
KUOW sets afternoon team, Wisconsin Public Media hires new director and other comings and goings
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The Seattle station is also finalizing its new morning drive-time news team.
Programs/Content
Case of woodworker vs. WGBH moves to pretrial mediation
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Former host Thomas MacDonald is suing WGBH, alleging trademark infringement.
Programs/Content
PBS’ updated editorial standards address inclusivity, social media use
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The standards define inclusive content as reflecting “views from different backgrounds, such as geographic areas, ethnicities, genders, age groups, religious beliefs, political viewpoints and income levels.”
Quick Takes
KNCT-TV, victim of repack costs, will go dark at end of August
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Its licensee voted to shut down the station rather than spend $4.4 million to move its channel.
Programs/Content
PBS and stations working on first ‘skinny bundle’ OTT agreement
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The over-the-top streaming deal could come within the next six months.
Obituaries
Former ‘Chicago Tonight’ host and reporter Elizabeth Brackett dies after accident at age 76
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Brackett was also a five-time world champion triathlete and was training for a triathlon when she was injured.
Programs/Content
Public TV stations can air latest ‘Doc Martin’ season in January
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As part of the agreement, episodes must carry two 15-second Acorn TV branding spots.
People
Pavelko sets retirement from WITF, WGBH hires new COO and more comings and goings
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Kathleen Pavelko has worked in public broadcasting since 1979.
Quick Takes
AmDoc announces first fund to assist filmmakers with emergencies
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“It seemed time for filmmakers to have a safety net,” said Executive Director Justine Nagan.
System/Policy
IG advises CPB to tighten rules for calculating stations’ indirect support
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A limited-scope audit of two university-owned stations found “significant errors” in accounting of institutional support.
System/Policy
CPB analysis finds smaller stations lagging in revenue growth
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“We have to put our heads together and figure out how they can remain sustainable,” said CPB’s VP of radio.
People
Franklin to retire in Connecticut, WAMU adds DCist hires, and more comings and goings
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Connecticut Public Board Chair Tom Barnes said Franklin “has played a transformational role in growing and securing the future of this organization.”
Tech
Digital team narrows search for developer of universal pubmedia sign-in
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At the PMBA Conference, KQED Chief Digital Officer Tim Olson discussed plans for a shared digital infrastructure for public media.
System/Policy
For some pubcasters, state funding plays valuable role in strengthening service
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State money makes up a relatively small slice of total system revenue but can make a big difference at stations.
People
Koester joins PRX as COO, O’Leary exits ‘Marketplace’ and other comings and goings
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Shona Koester spent the past six years at American Public Media, departing as VP of distribution and content partnerships.
System/Policy
PBS ‘planting flag firmly’ on kindergarten readiness for all children
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PBS is rolling out several initiatives and deepening collaborations with stations to help kids prepare for school.