Current (https://current.org/tag/pbs-digital-studios/)
A CPB-backed initiative helped launch YouTube series produced by stations in Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina, among other locations.
Under Maribel Lopez, who became head of PBSDS in December, the unit is branching out nationwide and developing STEM content aimed at women and people of color.
After learning how to build loyal audiences, the unit is looking ahead to new platforms and deeper work with member stations.
CPB gave $3 million to establish regional centers for member stations, while the National Science Foundation will boost PBS Terra, the YouTube science hub.
The host of “America From Scratch” said he could no longer reconcile his Black identity with TPT’s refusal to address racial issues with authenticity.
Actor Dyllón Burnside traveled the South as host of “Prideland,” which includes weekly digital shorts and a TV special.
With more than 18.5 million subscribers to its YouTube channels, the creative unit aims to share its expertise with more stations.
PBSDS is searching for a way to support itself as it trains stations to create web-first content for younger audiences.
Curren has been CPB’s c.o.o. since 2006.
A roundup of insights and comments from several public media sessions at the annual conference.
Shereen Marisol Meraji, a reporter with NPR’s Code Switch, and Lauren Saks, director of programming for PBS Digital Studios were at SXSW and gave a panel session on strategies for public radio and public television to reach out to younger and more diverse audiences.
PBS Digital Studios is commissioning the digital media unit at New York’s WNET to produce 40 episodes for two new YouTube series, marking its first major content collaboration deal with a PBS member station. WNET’s Interactive Engagement Group will create short-form videos about gender identity. WLIW, the station’s Long Island affiliate, will produce a series on consumer technology. PBSDS will co-produce both. Representatives at PBS and WNET declined to discuss the value of the contract, which was announced Wednesday.
Plus: Frankenstein M.D. launches, and the difficulties of regulating Elmos in Times Square.
Plus: Prairie Home encourages listening parties, and consumers show interest in the NextRadio app.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — You have to love the irony. The first scripted narrative series from PBS Digital Studios is a modern update of Frankenstein, the science-fiction classic about creating new life. Just as in Mary Shelley’s timeless Gothic tale, PBS Digital Studios is using the latest in science and technology in its experiments to breathe new life into PBS programming. PBS Digital Studios, launched in March 2012, will premiere Frankenstein M.D. Aug.
Plus: Beat Making Lab returns to PBS Digital Studios, and John Oliver joins Muppet-like creatures to sing about prisons.
Plus: Pubmedia’s James Beard Award winners, and a “national conversation” about the future of the CBC.
Plus: An Atlanta-based fake news site really dislikes pledge drives.
Plus: A consortium plans an initiative for Latino pubmedia professionals, and a PBS Digital Studios star takes a friendly quiz.
Plus: FiveThirtyEight crunches the numbers on Bob Ross, and noncom radio stations are on the rise.