Programs/Content
‘Downton Abbey’ pledge marathon boosts public TV’s June pledge drive
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With PBS rights to the drama expiring June 30, stations and viewers are making the most of the show’s fundraising farewell tour.
Programs/Content
How Rebecca Eaton’s ‘tailor-made’ role at ‘Masterpiece’ fits with a new strategy for original dramas
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As intensifying competition drives up the costs of British dramas, production execs at WGBH are developing their own ideas for shows that “Masterpiece” could own.
Programs/Content
‘Downton’ trio join up for first ‘Masterpiece’ feature film
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The film will air on PBS stations after a limited theatrical release.
Programs/Content
New royal drama seen as ‘golden opportunity’ to build on success of ‘Downton’
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The series shares some elements in common with Downton but is based on historical events.
Awards
With Smith’s latest Emmy for ‘Downton,’ hit series leads PBS’s prime-time standouts
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Another “Masterpiece” break-out, “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride,” won for best television movie.
People
Eaton on post-‘Downton’ life: ‘It’s very hard for me to resist challenges’
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Eaton has been at the helm of the PBS strand for 31 years of its 45-season history.
Quick Takes
It’s a veddy big and happy farewell for ‘Downton Abbey’
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Some 9.6 million viewers tuned in for Sunday night’s last episode.
Programs/Content
Podcasts tied to TV shows pave way for larger strategy at WGBH
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Podcasts such as Masterpiece Studio and Antiques Roadshow have given WGBH “a running start” in pushing into the medium.
Programs/Content
‘The Pub’ #52: Slate’s June Thomas reviews ‘Mercy Street’
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Can the Civil War drama compare to Downton Abbey?
Quick Takes
PBS Winter Press Tour news, from Broadway to outer space
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PBS answered a looming question: What will take over Downton Abbey’s Sunday-evening timeslot?
Programs/Content
PBS president expresses concern about auction’s impact on coverage
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Paula Kerger spoke with TV critics Monday about the FCC spectrum auction, the success of Downton Abbey and the future of Mercy Street.
Downton Abbey
On-demand programs prove alluring to PBS station members
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Since PBS’s Passport service launched last month, more than 30,000 members have signed up to watch Downton Abbey and other marquee offerings.
Downton Abbey
Fugitive Ohio shoplifter is fanatic for ‘Downton’ DVD collections
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Branden Joseph Deel, aka the “Downton Abbey Addict,” has the honor of being the latest Fugitive of the Week in Columbus, Ohio.
PBS
Kerger on end of ‘Downton’: “Great television begets great television”
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”We really have an abundance of programs that have been pitched to us.“
Development
Coming finale of ‘Downton Abbey’ puts public TV’s sales reps on edge
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With nearly $1 million in local underwriting on the line, PBS is piloting an initiative to bolster sponsorships.
Awards
Downton Abbey creator will receive special Emmy, and more awards in public media
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The Founders Award recognizes the creator of an outstanding and popular program.
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.
Programs/Content
The first of our new improved weekly roundups — now with more content
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This week: the Congressional Downtown Abbey office, new conferences, digital wisdom and more.
Awards
Calif. pubcasters take home Golden Mikes, and more awards in public media
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Public radio stations KCLU in Thousand Oaks and Southern California Public Radio in Pasadena took home both awards for best use of sound in addition to several accolades for reporting.
Quick Takes
Downton, Roosevelts help boost PBS to fifth in ratings
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PBS finished the 2013-14 broadcast season in fifth place among broadcast and cable networks, up from eighth the previous season and 11th in 2011-12. Beth Hoppe, PBS’s chief programmer, has focused on scheduling similar genres together to retain primetime audience from one show to the next. “It’s a strategy that is paying off,” she said in the announcement Wednesday. Average primetime household Nielsen ratings rose over last season from 1.43 to 1.50, finishing with an average audience of some 1.9 million viewers, according to PBS. Viewing on Sunday nights, anchored by Masterpiece and its hit Downton Abbey franchise, grew 7 percent over last season.