Programs/Content
Knowing what audiences want has powered growth for PBS Digital Studios
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After learning how to build loyal audiences, the unit is looking ahead to new platforms and deeper work with member stations.
Programs/Content
‘Anything could go wrong’: A longtime programming exec remembers the tightrope act of producing pledge specials
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“In working with musical artists, I learned that egos are enormous, and concerns are varied and unpredictable,” writes Larry Rifkin in his new memoir, “No Dead Air: Career Reflections From the TV Executive Who Saved Barney the Dinosaur From Extinction.”
System/Policy
New podcast hosted by Grace Lee examines public TV’s track record on DEI
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The podcast follows months of criticism directed at PBS and public media about the system’s DEI initiatives and lack of transparency.
System/Policy
As PBS exceeds profit projections, board approves $30.4M transfer to CEO fund
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PBS’ fiscal year 2021 net income was $5.3 million more than previous forecasts, according to CFO and Treasurer Tom Tardivo.
Development
How WETA focuses on improving retention to boost value of Passport donations
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The station has created a new “annual sustainer” option for Passport donors to automatically renew their memberships.
Programs/Content
Passport viewers get many more streaming options with infusion of APT shows
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A partnership between American Public Television and PBS will dramatically expand the catalog of programs available for streaming on PBS Passport and the PBS Video app.
Programs/Content
Upcoming ‘Nova’ doc builds on a decade of marijuana research
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“The Cannabis Question” “is very different than the show that would have been on 10 years ago,” said neuroscientist Dr. Yasmin Hurd during the summer Television Critics Association press tour.
Documentaries
Ken Burns: ‘I do not accept that only people of a particular background can tell certain stories’
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Speaking during the Television Critics Association summer press tour, Burns said he supported PBS’ new initiatives to increase programming diversity.
System/Policy
Kerger on diversity: ‘We don’t always look as carefully in the mirror’
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During the annual Television Critics Association summer press tour, the PBS president said she spoke with filmmakers and many others with ties to public television about complaints that the network has favored white documentarians.
Programs/Content
PBS announces initiatives to increase programming diversity
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During the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, PBS announced funding for Firelight Media, updates to its producer requirements and a new SVP for DEI.
Development
Why independent documentary filmmakers want new and improved funding models
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Filmmakers who search high and low for production money say public media must find ways to increase support for their work.
System/Policy
How public TV can strengthen its alliance with independent filmmakers
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A new report from the Center for Media & Social Impact reveals passions and pains of the creative community’s relationship with public TV.
System/Policy
PBS FY22 budget increases station dues, spending on content and marketing
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PBS CFO and Treasurer Tom Tardivo said the new dues amount to a “modest increase.”
Development
Answering Passport’s age-old question
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We’re not sure why, but the average age of Passport donors is changing.
Programs/Content
Fans, stations welcome return of hit series ‘Sanditon’
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Efficient production and a collaborative funding push allowed for two new seasons of the “Masterpiece” Jane Austen adaptation.
People
PBS appoints Rhonda Holt as CTO
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Holt has worked for PBS since 2016 and was promoted to SVP last year.
Programs/Content
PBS series on life expectancy aims to give ‘200-year view of the present moment’
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Greenlit as the COVID pandemic accelerated, “Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer” suddenly found itself “right in the middle of history.”
Programs/Content
#PBSForTheArts campaign documents how arts have survived pandemic
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#PBSForTheArts is examining how arts organizations are working to “stay around, stay relevant and then fight back,” said WNET Group CEO Neal Shapiro.
Programs/Content
Filmmakers who challenged PBS on diversity continue push for transparency
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Members of Beyond Inclusion say they will keep advocating for issues they raised in a March letter to PBS CEO Paula Kerger.
System/Policy
NPR has ‘not completely bounced back’ from pandemic’s impact on revenue, says acting CEO
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Leaders of NPR and PBS spoke to Texas pubmedia employees about lessons from the past year and possible collaborations between the networks.