PBS Annual Meeting — Day 3 Highlights
We began the final day of Annual Meeting with a dynamic and joyous panel on an upcoming project from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
After Gates Jr. left the stage, we hosted a discussion about building a station model for the future with four station leaders. They covered topics such as: how to identify the needs of the audiences and serve them intentionally, how roles can shift to leverage digital opportunities, and how we should tell the story of how we are making an impact.
Sesame Workshop gave us a quick break, and then it was time to jump into the many accomplishments and opportunities for PBS KIDS with SVP & GM of PBS KIDS, Sara DeWitt. DeWitt shared how gaming has tremendous growth potential, and the strategy behind expanding partnerships. She also focused on how programming is adapting to the needs of our PBS KIDS’s audience in areas of mental health, understanding climate change and early literacy. After previews of upcoming shows and other content, the LYLA IN THE LOOP panel took the stage to discuss how the series began, Lyla’s loving family, and why computational thinking is important for kids to problem solve and express creativity.
We continued the discussion of creative thinking with our Technology & Distribution Strategy panel, where our panelists examined the process of adopting new technologies and new distribution strategies, along with the importance of metadata and cybersecurity. In our next presentation, PBS’s VP of Fundraising Programming, Jerry Liwanag shared how we can examine the motivation of donors and create opportunities to speak to different audiences on different platforms.
We switched gears to celebrate Linda Taggart for receiving the 2023 C. Scott Elliott Development Professional of the Year Award, which honors those at PBS member stations who are outstanding in the areas of corporate support, membership, and philanthropy efforts in their local communities. Linda Taggart gave a beautiful and moving speech about her 40+ years of service in public media and how fulfilling it is to be a mentor and learn from others in our public media system.
In the afternoon, we were treated to sneak peeks of upcoming programming from MASTERPIECE, AMERICAN MASTERS, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and GREAT PERFORMANCES, which ended with stunning performances from the panelists of GREAT PERFORMANCES “Now Hear This.”
It was a delight to hear several beautiful live performances from the trio of musicians on-stage in between discussing Bach’s favorite beer, how music can be a universal language, and how this show demonstrates the different ways culture influences the making of music.
To end PBS Annual Meeting, Jonathan Barzilay thanked everyone for a fantastic three days of educational (and entertaining!) presentations. We look forward to next year!
