System/Policy
PBS board approves new dues model for stations, adds to CEO fund
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At a board meeting Thursday, CEO Paula Kerger also addressed how to handle possible threats to pubmedia funding.
Programs/Content
Susanne Simpson leans into EP role at ‘Masterpiece’
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“What I hope I’m doing in offering my creative contributions is taking us to a new place in terms of actual original programming,” she says.
Programs/Content
Autistic characters lead PBS Kids show for first time in ‘Carl the Collector’
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PBS Kids worked with autism experts to create the show, which aims to present many aspects of the condition.
System/Policy
Proposed PBS dues model offers predictability, increases national production credit
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The PBS board could vote on the model as early as next month.
Tech
With Grove adoption nearly complete, stations look to enhancements, single sign-on
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With more than 200 public radio stations and NPR itself now using the Grove content management system for their websites, public media’s digital infrastructure overhaul is moving forward.
System/Policy
PBS lays off 24 staffers, cuts vacant positions
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“It’s never easy to say goodbye to colleagues and friends, but we feel confident that this will position us well for the future,” said PBS President Paula Kerger in a staff memo.
Programs/Content
‘Nova’ marks 50 years with blend of new and old programming about engineering, space
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A new interactive project will include creating an escape room at GBH’s studios in Boston.
System/Policy
CPB grant funds Nielsen Local Dashboards for PBS member stations
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The Nielsen Local Dashboards are expected to be available to member stations beginning in late May and will show them “local market linear television audience data,” a news release said.
System/Policy
NPR urges FCC to improve incentives for public stations to invest in local journalism
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The commission’s proposal to boost localism in broadcasting won’t make a significant difference to public radio, according to comments filed by NPR.
Programs/Content
PBS highlights news documentaries, arts programming at Television Critics Association tour
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An upcoming “Frontline” documentary looks at the reaction to the Israel-Hamas war on college campuses.
Programs/Content
Death, rituals and outlaws: How PBS stations are using YouTube to reach young and diverse audiences
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A CPB-backed initiative helped launch YouTube series produced by stations in Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina, among other locations.
Programs/Content
Second season of ‘Native America’ celebrates contemporary Native communities
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The team of Native American producers and directors gave the season a “visceral authenticity,” said Providence Pictures EP Gary Glassman.
Development
PBS stations experiment with local sponsorship, membership spots on Passport and video app
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Stations have yet to earn much from the pilot program, but participants remain hopeful for phase two and the future.
Programs/Content
Survey finds PBS app users want more content, features
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The survey’s findings were presented last week at the Public Media Development and Marketing Conference in Atlanta.
System/Policy
PBS board approves 3% station dues increase for FY24
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PBS’ total budget is expected to break even at $372.2 million.
Programs/Content
‘Endeavour’ closes latest chapter in enduring ‘Masterpiece’ franchise
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The prequel to “Inspector Morse” has delivered compelling drama, big audiences and fundraising results to public TV since 2013.
System/Policy
Court dismisses lawsuit alleging PBS violated digital subscribers’ privacy
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The class-action case focused on PBS’ role in sharing subscribers’ personal data with Facebook.
System/Policy
How pubmedia is navigating the pros and cons of remote work
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New workplace norms are giving employees greater flexibility, while leaders are learning to manage remote teams and build community.
Programs/Content
Documentary tells story of Fanny, an unsung all-girl band that’s still rocking after 50 years
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Airing Monday on PBS, “Fanny: The Right to Rock” examines what it meant to be women — some of whom were queer and/or Filipino-American — struggling for respect at a time when a girl with a guitar was still considered a novelty.
System/Policy
Uniting the voices of PBS and NPR: a bold merger for the marketplace of ideas
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“The potential merger of PBS and NPR is a strategic and necessary step in securing the future of public media.”