Programs/Content
TikTok grants help pubmedia get creative with short-form videos
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Producers are using the popular platform to test ideas while also reaching new and younger audiences.
Programs/Content
Filmmakers join Kerger at press tour to discuss pandemic’s effect on forthcoming PBS series
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At an executive session with the PBS president, Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates Jr. discussed how the pandemic has affected productions of their next major series.
People
Perry Simon, chief programming exec, is leaving PBS
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Simon joined PBS in 2018 and has played a central role in its recent content initiatives.
System/Policy
PBS cuts jobs, changes up departments
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The network reduced its staff headcount by about 6%.
System/Policy
PBS budget for FY21 keeps station dues level
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At last week’s board meeting, board members and network leaders also discussed how to increase racial diversity in public media’s executive ranks.
Programs/Content
PBS to broadcast documentaries and specials on racism and police
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The initiative includes programs from “PBS NewsHour,” “Frontline,” “POV” and “Independent Lens.”
Programs/Content
Stuck at home, chef Lidia Bastianich takes viewers into her kitchen with help from family
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A two-part special airing this weekend was inspired by the idea that “food is a common denominator.”
Programs/Content
After PBS drops film, PBS SoCal reviews documentary produced in association with a Chinese state TV network
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Citing concerns over its funding, PBS removed “Voices from the Frontline: China’s War on Poverty” from PBS.org, Passport and the PBS Video App.
System/Policy
Investigation of filmmaker Michael Pack centers on alleged ‘unlawful’ use of nonprofit gifts
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The conservative director’s film about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is airing Monday on PBS.
Programs/Content
PBS fast-tracks ‘American Portrait’ special on coronavirus
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The half-hour program, airing May 8, presents stories of people on the front lines.
System/Policy
PBS cancels spring meetings due to coronavirus concerns
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PBS TechCon and the PBS Annual Meeting were scheduled for April and May.
Programs/Content
‘Masterpiece’ tests digital-first release strategy for steamy costume drama
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EP Susanne Simpson predicts “Beecham House,” a new TV series by filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, will be a “membership magnet” during March pledge.
System/Policy
PBS ends employee loans flagged by CPB as Communications Act violations
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The broadcaster also addressed problems with open meetings and grant reporting highlighted in a CPB audit.
Programs/Content
Programmers work to free PBS’ back catalog from lockdown
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Some stations have been surprised to learn that snags with usage windows are blocking their access to previously aired shows.
Programs/Content
PBS extends thematic programming strategy with summer focus on pioneering women
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At the Television Critics Association press tour, chief programming executive Perry Simon said the themed shows can help PBS “best stand out from this crowded content marketplace and make a real impact with our audiences and our communities.”
System/Policy
PBS begins rollout of electric-blue brand refresh
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The rebranding will bring uniformity to PBS’ brand identity on screens of every size.
Programs/Content
As ‘Retro Report’ prepares for PBS debut, stations step out of comfort zone to produce local stories
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With grants from PBS and editorial support from series producers, eight stations are testing new approaches for connecting with local audiences.
Programs/Content
Like the rest of Burns’ oeuvre, ‘Country Music’ offers ‘an opportunity to understand who we are’
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Premiering on PBS Sept. 15, the documentarian’s latest film follows the evolution of country music from 1923 to the mid-1990s.
Programs/Content
PBS, Futuro Media receive NEH grants
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The grants are supporting documentaries and digital films.
Programs/Content
Costs of livestreaming add wrinkle to stations’ arrival on YouTube TV
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High-fives over PBS’ deal with the streaming service paused in midair when smaller stations learned that they may have to scramble for cash.