Programs/Content
Kerger commits to continue leading PBS through ‘time of great experimentation’
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“This is not a time for the faint of heart,” PBS’ president told TV critics when announcing that she had renewed her contract for five more years.
Programs/Content
Curiosity Correspondent Emily Graslie will take PBS viewers on a ‘Prehistoric Road Trip’ next summer
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The program lineup for 2020 also features an “American Masters” film about Rita Moreno.
Programs/Content
PBS’ plans for thematic programming will provide ‘cornerstones’ for station efforts
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At the PBS Annual Meeting, the network’s chief programmer said upcoming initiatives will be “built around specific content themes that are locked in and announced several months or even years in advance.”
Programs/Content
Amid growing competition, PBS Distribution boosts investment in British dramas
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A licensing partnership between PBS and WGBH is at the center of a strategy to “future-proof” the iconic “Masterpiece.”
System/Policy
By censoring ‘Arthur’, Alabama network turns back the clock
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Truly, what is more dangerous: two men making a sacred commitment to one another, or the denial of that reality?
Programs/Content
PBS program chief shares strategies for ‘building bridge’ to younger, more diverse audiences
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“This is one of the biggest challenges I’m facing with my colleagues at PBS,” Perry Simon told TechCon attendees, “but we’re committed to it.”
Tech
PBS unveils streaming-video apps for Samsung TVs
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Funds from the electronics company backed development of apps customized for its Tizen platform.
System/Policy
New PBS policy will locally limit national content on stations’ digital platforms
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PBS says limiting national content to local markets will help avoid viewer confusion and strengthen station brands.
Programs/Content
PBS starts same-time streaming in April as OTT work advances
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Local public TV stations continue to clear streaming rights as PBS negotiates with digital providers.
Programs/Content
Subscription streaming channel PBS Living to premiere Thursday
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The lifestyle and how-to programs will be available on Amazon’s Prime Video Channels.
Programs/Content
OPB drops ‘Finding Your Roots’ episode featuring presidential candidate
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“At the beginning of a presidential candidacy, to be doing a valentine to one candidate, I just don’t think it’s a very smart thing to do,” said Oregon Public Broadcasting CEO Steve Bass.
Programs/Content
PBS eyes streaming agreements to address ‘profoundly important’ platform goals, Kerger says
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The PBS president told an audience at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour to “stay tuned” for possible announcements involving Sling TV and YouTube TV.
Quick Takes
Pubcasters complain FCC rules on satellite renewal are ‘antiquated’
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TV stations are now required to renew satellite carriage requests every three years.
Quick Takes
PBS encourages FCC to disburse additional repack funds to stations
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The FCC must set reimbursement rules for translators and FM stations by March 23.
System/Policy
PBS will move headquarters to smaller space nearby
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PBS signed a 15-year lease on the property, located about a half-mile to the north of its current offices.
System/Policy
PBS Board adopts tiered pricing model for top sponsorships
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The board also heard that PBS’ old non–real-time satellite transponder will be turned off Jan. 2.
Programs/Content
New PBS policy for overlap markets would tighten rules, give Passport to secondary stations
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The proposed revisions to the Program Differentiation Plan are the first major update since 1995.
Programs/Content
‘Antiques Roadshow’ tweaks formula to keep viewers watching
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“We’re making changes so that you’ll still love it,” says Marsha Bemko, EP of PBS’ most popular ongoing prime-time series.
Quick Takes
New Ready To Learn grants will center on ‘community collaboratives’
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Fourteen public television stations will each get $175,000.
System/Policy
Upcoming ‘location-based experiences’ will feature PBS brand
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“Extending our brand into the location-based entertainment space offers new possibilities for connecting with our audience through learning and exploration,” said a PBS executive.