PBS Kicks off the 2022 Virtual Television Critics Association Summer 2022 Press Tour
We almost made it to Pasadena but COVID struck again. Nevertheless, we are still thrilled to share the latest news and programming from PBS with TCA members and registered press today.
PBS President and CEO kicked off Virtual TCA Press Tour by announcing several new programs coming to PBS and PBS KIDS in the next year. She began by emphasizing the organization’s mission in service to the American people.
“While our roots are in broadcast, we have been evolving to meet audiences on the platforms they prefer. No matter the platform, we are focused on meeting the moment; Reflecting the American people; and Offering distinctive content that educates, engages and inspires.”
First, she announced that PBS will premiere a powerful performance from The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, a newly formed ensemble comprised of recently refugeed Ukrainian musicians and other European artists in partnership with The Kennedy Center and The Metropolitan Opera.
Second, she shared that PBS is in production for NATIVE AMERICA Season 2. As you may recall, the first season of NATIVE AMERICA connected viewers with modern Indigenous Americans, sharing their living traditions. Season 2 presents stories of Native Americans who are carrying forward indigenous values to transform the 21st-century world.
Next, Paula announced SOUTHERN STORYTELLERS, a new documentary series that explores Southern identity through the eyes of renowned contemporary Southern creators, produced in partnership with Arkansas PBS. The new program includes a three-part broadcast series and a six-part digital series.
This year, PBS Digital Studios celebrates its 10th anniversary and Paula shared how Digital Studios has been an important part of the organization’s efforts to reach younger, more diverse audiences on digital platforms.
In addition, she announced THE BIGGER PICTURE a new series coming to the PBS YouTube channel from The WNET Group that explores American history through iconic photographs and is hosted by Harvard historian Dr. Vincent Brown.
Paula highlighted a recent film from NOVA that just aired exploring the story behind the amazing James Webb Space Telescope and highlighting the dramatic photos it has captured. PBS is excited to share that a second NOVA film about the James Webb Space Telescope is currently in production and set to premiere in early 2023.
In Spring 2023, AMERICAN MASTERS will present “Tony — A Year in the Life of Dr. Anthony Fauci,” showing a rarely seen side of this scientist, husband, father and public servant.
AMERICAN MASTERS is also bringing to PBS a new profile on the legendary musician and activist “Roberta Flack.” Coming this winter from The WNET Group, the film explores Flack from her start in a Washington, D.C. piano lounge to her journey as one of the most influential singers in American music history.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE is bringing a biography on “Zora Neale Hurston” to PBS this spring. The film will trace the life of this influential author, whose groundbreaking anthropological work challenged assumptions about race and gender while celebrating Black American culture.
PBS KIDS announced the February 2023 premiere of WORK IT OUT WOMBATS!, a new animated series for kids focused on computational thinking concepts to help children solve meaningful problems and learn flexible thinking.
And Paula closed her remarks by sharing that this September marks the 10th anniversary of DANIEL TIGER. PBS KIDS will be celebrating with new episodes, a special marathon, and many more surprises.
Here are a few tweets and press stories covering the opening session.
