Deep in the Heart film Celebrates What’s Unique About Texas
Austin, TX – In celebration of Earth Day and the natural wonders of Texas, Texas PBS stations will present the stunning Texas wildlife documentary film, Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story for an exclusive television broadcast across the state. The film will broadcast on all Texas PBS Stations Wednesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. CT, (check local listings). Produced by Fin & Fur Films, this program explores the state’s native wildlife in breathtaking detail.
Check out the film promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4o-iP_i0nI&feature=youtu.be
Deep in the Heart is a visually stunning celebration of what makes Texas unique — its diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife behavior that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Directed and written by Ben Masters. This film is told through the eyes of wildlife species ranging from the mysterious blind catfish to the elusive mountain lion, the story follows our ever-changing relationship with the natural world and showcases our ability to destroy, conserve, and recover wildlife and the habitat we mutually depend on.
Narrated by Matthew McConaughey and featuring state-of-the-art cinematography, this family-friendly film journeys from the highest peaks in West Texas, through our aquifers, rivers, and bays, and deep into the Gulf of Mexico. Deep in the Heart aims to conserve our remaining wild places, to show the connectivity of water and wildlife, and to recognize Texas’ conservation importance on a continental scale.
Presented by Austin PBS, which acquired the rights for all ten (10) Texas stations to broadcast and live stream the 90-minute film about Texas wildlife. The PBS broadcast will include never-before-seen footage of the making of the film. Following the broadcast of the film, six lesson plans designed to provide K-12 students and teachers with materials about Texas wildlife will be available in pbslearningmedia.org.
All Texas PBS stations plan to broadcast the film on Wednesday, April 5 at 7 pm CT.
• WHAT: Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story
• WHEN: Wednesday, April 5 at 7 pm CT (check local listings)
• WHERE: Broadcast on all Texas PBS stations
• CONTACT: kschwab@texaspbs.org, (512) 413-4421
• FILM WEBSITE: https://deepintheheartwildlife.com
“We are so pleased to celebrate our state’s natural wonders through this partnership with Ben Masters and Fin & Fur Films,” said Kierstan Schwab, executive director of Texas PBS. “Texas is a unique place with beauty in every region and Texas PBS aims to offer our audience those unique stories.”
“We are excited to offer our film to Texas PBS stations so that more Texans can have access to the story of Texas’ wild places, and to spark dialogue about how to protect those places and wildlife species we all love,” said the film’s director Ben Masters.
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by cultivating financial resources for local affiliates, spearheading collaborations among stations, illuminating public issues through relevant program content and advocating for policies that support robust public media. For more information about Texas PBS, go to www.texaspbs.org.
About Fin & Fur Productions
Based in Austin, Texas, Fin and Fur Films is comprised of professional creatives who are passionate about conservation and visual storytelling. From endangered species to complex water issues and backcountry expeditions, we are dedicated to using film as a medium to give wildlife a fighting chance and advocate for the preservation of wild places. Fin and Fur produces independent films from conception to finished product, and offers cinematography, production, and directing services. Our team members are adventure-lovin’ folks who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and have a good time, all while creating quality content.
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Basin PBS Launches Children’s Lounge at Midland International Air & Space Port,
Sponsored by Permian Resources
PERMIAN BASIN, TEXAS, Monday, March 20, 2023 – Basin PBS is proud to announce the opening of the Basin PBS Children’s Lounge at Midland International Air & Space Port, sponsored by Permian Resources, co-sponsored by Clear Channel. The lounge will provide a comfortable and safe space for families traveling through the airport with young children. The launch event will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 10:30 am, and will be attended by representatives from Basin PBS, Permian Resources and Midland International Air & Space Port.
“We are excited to provide a new resource for families traveling through the airport,” said Laura Wolf, CEO/GM of Basin PBS. “The Basin PBS Children’s Lounge is a welcoming space where children can relax and play while parents wait for their flight. We are grateful to Permian Resources for their generous support of this project, and to Fred Rogers Production and PBS KIDS for their collaboration.”
The lounge will feature comfortable seating, age-appropriate educational games, iPad station connected to PBS KIDS, a free little library and a TV showing educational programming from PBS KIDS. All with a theme that will be familiar to PBS KIDS families.
“We are proud to support Basin PBS in creating this valuable resource for families in our community,” said James Walter, Co-CEO of Permian Resources. “At Permian Resources, we believe in investing in the well-being of our community, and we are thrilled to be a part of this important project.”
The launch event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as remarks from representatives of Basin PBS and Permian Resources. Press is welcome to attend and should arrive at 10:20 am and make their way to the 3rd floor offices to be escorted to the ribbon cutting.
“We are delighted to partner with Basin PBS and Permian Resources to bring this important resource to Midland International Air & Space Port,” said Justine Ruff, Director of Airports for the City of Midland. “The Basin PBS Children’s Lounge is a great addition to our airport, and we are grateful for the support of our community partners.”
The Basin PBS Children’s Lounge is free and open to the public during regular airport hours. It is located across from the Southwest gates.
About Basin PBS
Basin PBS is a community owned and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit service to the Permian Basin. Donations to Basin PBS are tax deductible and help promote life-long learning through local public television educational programs like ONE QUESTION and MAIN STREET UNPLUGGED and through outreach services to West Texas children and adults. Basin PBS is the only local source for trusted PBS programs such as MASTERPIECE, NOVA, CURIOUS GEORGE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE and more. www.basinpbs.org https://www.facebook.com/BasinPBS
For more information, Alyson Trevino atrevino@basinpbs.org.
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TEXAS PBS ANNOUNCES LAURA WOLF AS NEW BOARD CHAIR
PERMIAN BASIN, TEXAS, Friday, November 18, 2022 – Texas PBS today announced the election of Laura Wolf, the CEO of Basin PBS, to serve as Chair of its Board of Directors for 2023-24.
Wolf has spent 20 years managing television stations across the country in roles that range from sales to CEO. Wolf joined public media four years ago when she became the General Manager and CEO of Basin PBS. As the General Manager/CEO she oversees the daily operations and acts as Executive Producer for all local programming. Wolf also serves on the board of Midland Community Theatre.
“This is such an honor. I can hardly believe I’ve been in public media for 4 years now,” said Wolf. “It’s included some of the best projects of my career. My hope is to work together with my Texas station colleagues to support and engage our communities across the state. I can’t wait to listen and learn from my fellow board members and the stations to continue the great work that they do every day.”
As the Chair of the Texas PBS Board of Directors, Wolf will work with Executive Director Kierstan Schwab and PBS member stations to collaborate on new content projects and engagement initiatives for Texas audiences. Texas PBS is a non-profit association of the 11 Texas public television stations all working together to sustain public media and produce content relevant to Texans.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura into this leadership position with the Texas PBS Board,” said Kierstan Schwab, Executive Director of Texas PBS. “Throughout her career, Laura has led TV stations in news and engagement initiatives. Her experience will be a great value to Texas PBS, as we focus our efforts to meet the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing media landscape.”
The 9-person Texas PBS Board represents 10 Texas PBS stations. The Texas PBS Board of Directors is responsible for creating opportunities to achieve shared goals around content, revenue, education, and
audience growth. Texas PBS member stations elect the Board of Directors and officers annually. Public media, through its community-based programming and services, continues to be a unifying force in Texas culture, a lens through which we can view and understand our diverse nation and world.
About Basin PBS
Basin PBS is a community owned and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit service to the Permian Basin. Donations to Basin PBS are tax deductible and help promote life-long learning through local public television educational programs like ONE QUESTION and MAIN STREET UNPLUGGED and through outreach services to West Texas children and adults. Basin PBS is the only local source for trusted PBS programs such as MASTERPIECE, NOVA, CURIOUS GEORGE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE and more. www.basinpbs.org https://www.facebook.com/BasinPBS
For more information, Alyson Trevino atrevino@basinpbs.org.
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NEW PBS KIDS SERIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS FEATURES TEXAS FAMILY
Austin, TX – Texas PBS stations are excited to announce the premiere of ROSIE’S RULES, a new 2D animated comedy series which begins October 3. This new series from 9 Story Media Group and its award-winning studio, Brown Bag films, is designed for preschoolers (ages 3-6). It stars 5-year-old Rosie Fuentes, a Mexican-American girl from San Antonio who is just beginning to learn about the fascinating, baffling, thrilling world beyond her family walls.
“It’s so important for children to see themselves in the characters they watch,” said Kierstan Schwab, Executive Director of Texas PBS. “Texas PBS stations are so excited about the opportunity for Texas kids to see themselves represented in PBS Kids.”
The show aims to teach children concrete social studies lessons about how a community works, helping them develop their awareness of themselves as individuals and as part of a broader society. ROSIE’S RULES is slated to debut nationwide on PBS KIDS on October 3, 2022.
Like many children across the country, Rosie is part of a blended, multicultural family. Rosie is Mexican-American; her Papá is from Mexico City and her mother from rural Wisconsin. She has a little brother, Iggy, and an older sister, Crystal, who is Mom’s child from her first marriage. The Fuentes family lives together in suburban Texas with their cat (and Rosie’s partner-in-crime), Gatita.
“Preschool is that amazing stage when children start noticing the mechanisms of how a community operates, and naturally, they have a lot of questions,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Rosie is right there with them, figuring things out one ‘rule’ at a time through humor and play.”
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Rosie’s multicultural identity is a big part of who she is, and Mexican, Southwestern, and Midwestern art, traditions, food, and music figure prominently in the series. Music is part of every episode, as Rosie sings a song to begin each story and ends with a celebration tune summarizing what she’s learned.
ROSIE’S RULES features a comprehensive social studies framework that encompasses civics and government, geography, economics, and history via engaging, character-based narratives to help children achieve the social studies proficiencies that are important for preschoolers.
Each story builds on a preschooler’s budding understanding of a concept (how the mail works, transportation, family relationships) and extends the learning from there. As Rosie figures things
out, the answers – along with other astute discoveries – become Rosie’s Rules. These “rules” range from the silly (“Don’t try to mail your cat to Mexico.”), to the sweet (“There’s nothing better than making your Abuela happy.”) to the practical (“Sometimes, flopping helps you get your feelings out.”). They will also punctuate what Rosie’s learned in the episode, bridging the curriculum takeaway and the heart of each story.
“We are so excited for kids to meet Rosie,” said Angela Santomero, Chief Creative Officer for 9 Story Media Group. “Like many preschoolers, Rosie is just beginning to learn about the world around her. Our hope is that kids will see themselves in the Fuentes family and fall in love with Rosie’s curiosity, determination, creative thinking and humor!”
ROSIE’S RULES was created by Emmy Award-winning writer and children’s book author, Jennifer Hamburg, a veteran of the children’s television industry whose credits include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!, Pinkalicious & Peterrific,Cyberchase, and Doc McStuffins.
Executive Producing with Jennifer is TV veteran, Mariana Diaz-Wionczek, PhD, who brings a wealth of children’s TV experience (Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go!, Santiago of the Seas), and cultural, educational, and linguistic expertise, along with her own life experience growing up in Mexico City. Maria Escobedo (Grey’s Anatomy, Elena of Avalor and Nina’s World) is on board as Story Editor.
ROSIE’S RULES games will launch in tandem with the series on pbskids.org and the free PBS KIDS Games App. To extend the learning at home, parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities, will be available on PBS KIDS for Parents. For educators, PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips and printable activities.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers children ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital media and community-based programs. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including their teachers, parents and community. Provided by stations, the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream is available to more than 95% of U.S. TV households. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning, including the PBS KIDS Video app, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung TV and Chromecast. PBS KIDS also offers parent and teacher resources to support children’s learning anytime and anywhere. For more information on PBS KIDS content and initiatives supporting school readiness and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Blue’s Clues and You and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International based in Dublin, represents 4,400 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. 9 Story’s Creative Affairs Group creates, develops and produces award-winning branded properties using groundbreaking formative research. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, New York and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs 1000 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com
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Texas PBS stations team up for virtual screening event Sept. 27, 2022
Finding Black Joy with Eddie Robinson of Houston Public Media.
It’s a first look at a new film by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Four-Part PBS Series Explores Black Americans’ Centuries-Long History of Establishing Communities and Attaining Social, Political and Economic Success in the Face of Racial Segregation
TEXAS PBS, KERA, HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA and KTSU today announced FINDING BLACK JOY, a virtual event to give Texans a first look at a new film called MAKING BLACK AMERICA: THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE, a four-part series from executive producer, host and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
The virtual screening will be at 7 pm September 27, 2022.
FINDING BLACK JOY: A TEXAS VIRTUAL SCREENING EVENT AND FIRST LOOK AT NEW FILM
Hosted by Eddie Robinson of Houston Public Media, the Texas screening event will include a 30-minte clip of the new film series and a panel discussion about black institutions and the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” Viewers will be invited to join us virtually for the screening and panel discussion.
Panelists for the Texas screening will include Stacey L. Holman is a Harlem-based award-winning producer and director who has partnered on this film and several of Henry Louis Gates, Jr’s films. It will also include Pastor Dr. D. Z. Cofield currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the historic Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston and host of Real World, Real Talk, News and Public Affairs show on KTSU-FM at Texas Southern University. Dr. Ashley D. Farmer, who is featured in the film and is a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, joins the panel and is a historian of black women’s history, intellectual history, and radical politics.
To sign-up for the virtual screening go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/finding-black-joy-a-first-look-at-making-black-america-tickets-410143820207
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PBS Elects Paul Hunton to its Board of Directors
ARLINGTON, VA; June 23, 2021— PBS today announced the election of Paul Hunton to serve as a member of its Board of Directors. Hunton’s term as a professional director will begin on July 1, 2021. He will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kim Johnson, who is leaving her position at PBS 12 at the end of June.
Hunton has spent the past decade in content and strategic leadership roles across public media. He first joined Texas Tech Public Media (TTPM) as Content Director and was quickly promoted to General Manager in 2015. As the General Manager, he oversees the daily operation of two PBS member stations and two NPR member stations in Lubbock, San Angelo and El Paso.
In 2019, Hunton led the strategic merger of TTPM and PBS El Paso, expanding the organization’s audience reach to over 1.7 million people and consolidating resources and infrastructure to build a model rural station for the future.
Hunton is the Vice Chair of Texas PBS and has led various projects and engagement initiatives for the state organization, which is made up of some of the largest market stations in the country. He is also a board member of Vision Maker Media, an organization that empowers and engages Native people by funding and distributing stories by indigenous creators.
“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the PBS Board. Throughout his impressive career, Paul has worked creatively and strategically to advance the essential mission of public media. His experience and insights will be invaluable as PBS and our member stations evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing media landscape,” said Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS.
“This is the honor of a lifetime. I first started working for a PBS station as a master control operator when I was a senior in high school. To sit on the Board as a professional director 20 years later feels surreal. My hope is to represent my colleagues who lead small rural stations across the country and voice the challenges we face as the lifeblood of the system. I can’t wait to listen and learn from my fellow board members and continue the great work that they do every day,” said Hunton.
The 27-person PBS Board includes both Professional Directors, who are station leaders, and General Directors, who serve as lay members of the Board, as well as the PBS President. The PBS Board of Directors is responsible for governing and setting policy for PBS. PBS member stations elect the Professional Directors. The General Directors are elected by the entire Board, as are the PBS President and the Board officers.
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PBS Returns to the Rio Grande Valley
June 30, 2020– Today, PBS joined Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) to announce the return of public television in South Texas. This initiative was spearheaded by representatives from PBS, Entravision, and Rep. Gonzalez’s Congressional office to ensure that those in the Rio Grande Valley have access to PBS’s over-the-air programming.
“We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of Rep. Gonzalez and Entravision in putting public television back on-air in the Rio Grande Valley. PBS is a trusted source for free, educational and entertaining content that unites people from all corners of America. It is our mission to meet viewers where they are— across all platforms— and we are thrilled that PBS services are again available in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Jim Dunford, PBS Senior Vice President of Station Services.
“We celebrate this success and will seek continued support and engagement from the community in order to keep this vital programming available to all,” said Rep. Gonzalez.
PBS can be found throughout most of the Rio Grande Valley over-the-air on channel 21.4. It is also available on Spectrum Cable channel 10, on DISH channel 61, and on DirectTV channel 389.
To accompany this announcement, PBS created a PSA in Spanish and English for media distribution.
Here’s how you can you watch your favorite PBS programs? You can watch via:
- Over-the-air on KCWT Channel 21.4
- Spectrum Cable Channel 10
- DISH Channel 61
- DirecTV Channel 389
If you watch PBS over-the-air, you may need to rescan your TV’s digital tuner. You can get more information about how to do that here: fcc.gov/TVrescan. (Or consult your TV’s instructions.)
For more information, please visit pbs.org/riogrande
About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 126 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’s premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
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TEA and Texas PBS announce educational programming collaboration
Innovative initiative will bring educational content to 10 Texas television markets to supplement at-home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2020
AUSTIN, Texas – April 21, 2020 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas PBS stations are proud to promote a joint initiative to air TEKS-aligned educational programming each week in 10 different PBS viewing areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officially known as the At-Home Learning Initiative, the collaboration strengthens TEA’s efforts in assisting school districts and public charter schools with establishing instructional continuity and at-home learning during this unprecedented public health crisis
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Texas PBS Stations Will Broadcast Second U.S. Senate Debate
on October 16
For Immediate Release
October 9, 2018
Texas PBS stations will broadcast the second 2018 U.S. Senate debate, Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke, to homes across the state of Texas.
The two leading candidates in the U.S. Senate election will appear for a second 60‐minute debate in San Antonio on Tuesday, Oct. 16. The debate features incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R‐ Houston, and his challenger, U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D‐El Paso.
Check local listings for times in your area.
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Texas PBS Stations Broadcast Cruz v. Beto Debate
Live on Friday, Sept. 21
For Immediate Release
September 21, 2018
Texas PBS stations have teamed up with NBC Channel 5 in Dallas and the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) to bring the first 2018 U.S. Senate debate to homes across the state of Texas. All 10 Texas PBS stations plan to broadcast the debate. Eight of the ten stations will provide the debate live.
The two leading candidates in the U.S. Senate election will appear in a 60‐minute debate on KXAS‐TV (NBC) and KXTX‐TV (Telemundo), both Dallas‐Ft. Worth, on Friday, Sept. 21 at 6 pm CT. The debate features incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R‐ Houston, and U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D‐El Paso. NBC Universal owned KXAS and KXTX are making a feed of the debate available free of charge to Texas radio and TV stations with certain market restrictions.
Texas PBS Station Schedules:
The following is the schedule for Texas PBS stations. This schedule is subject to change. Check local station web sites for additional information.
• Amarillo > 6 pm CT (Live) KACV
• Austin > 6 pm CT (Live) KLRU
• College Station > 6 pm CT (Live) KAMU
• Corpus Christi > 6 pm CT (Live) KEDT
• Dallas/Fort Worth > 10 p CT (rebroadcast) KERA
• El Paso > 5 pm MT (Live) KCOS
• Houston > 6 pm CT (Live) KUHT
• Lubbock > 6 pm CT (Live) KTTZ
• Midland/Odessa > 6 pm CT (Live) KPBT
• San Antonio > 6 pm CT (Live) KLRN World 9.2
The debate will also be rebroadcast on the following. This schedule is subject to change. Check local station web sites for additional information.
• Dallas/FortWorth > 10:30 am CT & 6 pm CT, Sunday, September 23, KERA
• Lubbock > 9 am CT & 4:30 pm CT, Sunday, September 23, KTTZ
• San Antonio > 12:30 pm CT, Sunday, September 23, KLRN 9.1
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Austin Convening Explores Ways Texas Communities
Can Build Capacity to Help Schools Ensure Student Success
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2018
The United Ways of Texas joined forces with Texas PBS and Say Yes to Education and its new Weiss Institute initiative to ensure that all Texas children advance along the pathway from birth to adult success. These organizations partnered to host a summit: Building Pathways to Thriving Communities: Early Childhood to Adult Success on Sept 18-19 that conveened national leaders such as the College Promise Campaign, along with the National League of Cities and Prosperity Now together with cross-sector collaboration teams from 15 communities in Texas.
The United Way and Texas PBS launched a new initiative called Start Smart Texas to encourage communities to focus their education work around the goal of children reading on grade level by the end of third grade. This new process recognizes communities that commit to this goal will be unveiled at the convening.
The goal of the Austin convening was to explore ways that communities can leverage and make available the resources, infrastructure and local systems of support to help all children achieve key developmental milestones on the pathway to college or other postsecondary degree completion – and, onward from there, to meaningful work, productive citizenship and personal achievement.
“Focusing on education from cradle to career, we’re ensuring every child has a strong start in life, that teenagers have the needed tools to learn and grow, and that young adults can thrive in the job market,” said Adrianna Cuellar Rojas, President & CEO of United Ways of Texas. “Our hope is that community partners aligning their goals and resources to support this continuum of learning in cities across our state will result in increased student success and economic growth.”
This collaboration draws on more than four decades of expertise, lessons learned, and deep field-based work. It galvanizes a powerful coalition committed to help all children succeed, and to work collaboratively with cities to build youth-centered communities and college-going cultures.
Millions of young people each year fail to meet critical milestones along the developmental pathway from preschool to graduating high school ready for college or other postsecondary education, never to recover the ground lost. Reading and math proficiency by third grade are critical predictors of high school graduation and career success.
Research shows that proficiency in reading by the end of third grade enables students to shift from learning to read to reading to learn, and to master the more complex subject matter that students encounter in fourth grade and beyond. In Texas, 58 percent of 4th grade students are reading at grade-level.
“This convening is about the power of communities coming together to ensure that all children can achieve college or other postsecondary education and adult success.,” said Felice Nudelman, Executive Vice President of the Weiss Institute. “ Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate with subject matter experts and like-minded peers to explore how to build the pathway for student success and create thriving communities.”
The two-day convening was held in Austin from September 18 to 19, 2018. Fifteen Texas cities sent a delegation of 3-5 team members. The sessions provided access to state and national experts, provide team time, as well as interactions across cities and within stakeholder groups to identify the core issues each city faces, provide technical and advisory assistance, and introduce models for ongoing sustainable work.
About Start Smart Texas
Parents and others who want to get involved can visit StartSmartTexas.org to view a number of fun videos, articles by experts, and other tips designed to help communities build strategies to support schools. The site also connects parents and caregivers to state and local resources on child development milestones. The campaign’s Facebook page (StartSmartTexas) shares fun and helpful ideas and resources for families.
About United Ways of Texas
United Ways of Texas creates lasting change in peoples’ lives and in Texas communities by leading and collaborating with a trusted and powerful network of local member United Ways. Together, we are united for a future where all Texans thrive. Learn more about the work of United Way and our Texas network at www.uwtexas.org.
About Say Yes to Education/The Weiss Institute
Say Yes to Education, a leading national nonprofit organization founded in 1987, launched the Weiss Institute in Spring 2017 to help communities expand their capacity to support young people along the developmental pathway from early childhood to college or other postsecondary completion – and on from there to adult success. The Institute partners with communities to address inequities and boost economic development. It does so by marshaling the field’s best thinking, best practices and latest research, as well as by drawing on 30 years of our own experience, lessons learned, and expertise. www.WeissInstitute.org
TEA, Texas PBS and United Ways of Texas launch Start Smart Texas
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2017
AUSTIN – Commissioner of Education Mike Morath today announced the launch of Start Smart Texas, a collaborative effort between the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas PBS and United Ways of Texas.
Start Smart Texas is a parent-focused initiative designed to work with families, community leaders and schools to promote the role of parents in making any time a learning time. It is a component of Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas Public Elementary School Reading Initiative – Texas Readers – which was announced earlier this year.
“Texas is continually looking for new and innovative ways to give our children every advantage possible when it comes to education,” said Governor Abbott. “Start Smart Texas is a great way to promote the role of the family in the learning process, and I thank Commissioner Morath, Texas PBS, and United Ways of Texas for this inspired program. It is initiatives like these that make Texas a top state for education.”
“Academic success for every child in Texas begins before they ever set foot in the classroom,” said Commissioner Morath. “By providing parents with simple reading preparation tips for their son or daughter, the Start Smart Texas campaign can help build a foundation for success in school and in life.”
Start Smart Texas will provide parents with tips that inspire positive interactions to promote healthy brain development, early literacy and reading skills. The goal for this statewide initiative is to empower parents in their child’s success.
“Parents today are busy, so Start Smart Texas hopes to provide friendly reminders of how we can make any time a learning opportunity – whether at the grocery store or in the car with our children,” said Adrianna Cuellar Rojas, President and CEO of United Ways of Texas. “Parents, schools, communities each play important roles in our children’s development, and together we can set them on a path for success,”
Public service announcements airing on PBS stations throughout Texas are part of this effort, reinforcing the message to parents that “Anytime is Learning Time.” The Start Smart Texas videos can be viewed here: http://startsmarttexas.org/about/tv-spots-pbs/.
“We want parents to know that they have what it takes to help their children succeed,” said Kierstan Schwab, Executive Director of Texas PBS. “What we are learning about brain development is that child success starts with simple things like talking to your baby, playing word games and working fun rhyming games into your busy life.”
In addition to the public service announcements, Start Smart Texas will work in partnership with statewide organizations and local community groups to build local-based strategies and a network of organizations to increase reading proficiency rates across the state.
Many cities have already created collaborative work focused on supporting children to achieve academic success and are part of a national network called the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. To become part of the national campaign, stakeholders in each city — including business, nonprofits, PBS stations, government and philanthropy — work collaboratively to develop a plan focused on increasing reading achievement, proposing specific strategies and identifying local goals related to school readiness, summer learning loss, chronic absenteeism and parental engagement. Start Smart Texas currently includes seven cities that have developed community-wide plans: Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, Houston, Palacios, San Antonio and Waco.
To learn more about the Start Smart Texas initiative, visit www.startsmarttexas.org.
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Campaign Promotes Child Abuse Prevention Month,
Provides Parenting Tips, and Takes Aim at Parenting Stress
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2017
Texas PBS and the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) division of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services promotes the state’s Help and Hope campaign to support healthy families. The Help and Hope campaign is committed to promoting community engagement, supporting families, sharing free resources, providing families with tips to alleviate parenting stress, and linking families to local service providers.
Eight Texas PBS stations will be airing sponsored Help and Hope television ads designed to inject humor around poignant moments, to normalize the stress that all parents feel, to provide helpful tips and to let families know they are not alone.
“We all have a responsibility to protect children,” said DFPS Commissioner Henry “Hank” Whitman, Jr. “That includes parents, grandparents, teachers, doctors, police officers, neighbors, CPS, and many others in communities all across Texas. Reporting and responding to abuse is important, and so is helping parents deal with the many stresses they face.”
PEI’s comprehensive strategy to promote the Help & Hope web site on both commercial and public media includes television ads, online banners, and mobile ads in all Texas media markets from April to August.
Parents can visit HelpandHope.org to view a number of fun videos, articles by experts, and other tips designed to help parents deal with some of the most challenging aspects of parenting – everything from bedtime battles and crying babies to conflict with teenagers. The site also connects parents and teens to state and local resources through a local service provider search. The campaign’s Facebook page (HelpAndHopeKids) shares fun and helpful ideas and resources for families.
PEI and Panhandle PBS in Amarillo have designed a community event for families in partnership with the Amarillo Zoo on April 22. This family-friendly event will recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Week of the Young Child. There will be a special appearance by Daniel Tiger from PBS Kids as well as healthy family resources, crafts and activities for kids. Admission is free. See more about prevention events in your area on the Events Page of HelpAndHope.org.
In addition, on Tuesday, April 25, an online community forum will be hosted to discuss how to strengthen Panhandle families and prevent child abuse before it occurs. The event will combine speakers, a panel discussion and videos, with moderator Karen Welch, Panhandle PBS Content Producer. Sasha Rasco, PEI Associate Commissioner, will provide a quick overview of the campaign and acknowledge the important prevention efforts being made in the Panhandle. Viewers may visit panhandlepbs.org/education/learn-here for a link to watch and submit questions/comments at 10:00 a.m.
Topics will include demographics and trends in the region, understanding developmental issues, the importance of fathers, and parenting needs and resources. It will focus on developing supportive family structures to prevent child abuse before it ever occurs.
About Help for Parents, Hope for Kids
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by:
• Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates,
• Spearheading collaborations among stations,
• Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and
• Advocating for policies that support robust public media
Texas PBS, NPCA and Big Bend Conservancy Partner to Celebrate Texas National Parks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2016
The Texas PBS stations today announced a partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Big Bend Conservancy to celebrate the 16 national parks in Texas as part of the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service. Texas PBS in partnership with Villita Media has produced a 60-minute documentary taking viewers to all 16 national park sites in Texas.
KLRN, San Antonio’s PBS station, will present the documentary to the national system. The National Parks of Texas: In Contact With Beauty, a 60-minute documentary highlighting the natural, cultural, historic and recreational significance of national parks in Texas to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service.
The National Parks of Texas: In Contact With Beauty will air at 7 pm April 26, 2016 on most Texas PBS stations. Texas is home to 16 national park sites – a rich and diverse collection of treasured places that welcomed more than 5 million visitors in 2014, generating nearly $340 million in local economic activity and supporting 3,700 private-sector jobs.
“Our country’s national parks are a remarkable achievement, preserving spectacular landscapes, special pieces of our shared history and unique species,” said Kierstan Schwab, Texas PBS executive director. “We are proud to have the opportunity to bring to our viewers this amazing celebration of the parks that are right here in Texas, right in our own backyards.”
“This film is a great opportunity to highlight what we have here in Texas, especially as we celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial,” said Suzanne Dixon, National Park Conservation Association’s senior director, regional operations. “When you consider all the different park units—like Fort Davis National Historic Site, one of the best surviving examples of a frontier Army installation in the Southwest, or the Big Thicket, the biological crossroads of America—these parks are sources of wonder and inspiration, and are very valuable to our state.”
“In celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, we are honored to bring this film to life, showing the public the many treasures our great state of Texas has to offer. From Big Bend, our first national park to our newest site at Waco Mammoth, our state offers diverse national park sites that capture history, honor culture, protect the planet, provide peace and solitude, engage children and restore the soul,” said Courtney Lyons-Garcia, Executive Director of Big Bend Conservancy.
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About National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
Together with our more than one million members and supporters, National Parks Conservation Association speaks for America’s favorite places. Since our founding in 1919, NPCA has been an independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect our nation’s natural, historic and cultural heritage. We are the storytellers, the mobilizers, the protectors and the advocates. We leverage our nationwide network of offices, committed volunteers, staff lobbyists, community organizers and communications specialists to make change, whether in our local communities or in our nation’s capital. Your voice is needed to help protect, connect and restore these incredible places for present and future generations. Join the movement at npca.org/join.
About Big Bend Conservancy:
Big Bend Conservancy is the nonprofit fundraising partner of Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Our mission is to support, promote and protect these park units in partnership with the National Park Service. For more information join us at www.bigbendconservancy.org.
About Texas PBS:
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by cultivating financial resources for local affiliates, spearheading collaborations among stations, illuminating public issues through relevant program content and advocating for policies that support robust public media. For more information about Texas PBS, go to: www.texaspbs.org.
The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock
Posted Aug. 26, 2015
Austin, TX — Musical magic hit Austin in the early 1970s. At legendary venues such as Threadgill’s, Vulcan Gas Company and the Armadillo World Headquarters, a host of country, rock-and-roll, blues, and folk musicians came together. Jan Reid vividly detailed this sound and scene in his 1974 book, The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock, which inspired the popular PBS series, Austin City Limits.
In a new edition, published by University of Texas Press, Reid takes a fresh look at the music scene of the 1970s, including musicians and musical influences from other parts of Texas that contributed to the convergence of popular cultures in Austin. Four new chapters and an epilogue show how the creative burst of the seventies spawned a new generation of talent who carry on the tradition.
On Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Texas PBS will present an online discussion with Reid, giving readers the chance to chat with the author about Texas music and musicians. To participate, go to texasourtexas.texaspbs.org/book-club.
Reid’s book profiles a wide range of musicians. Some of them became well-known icons; others are less known today. Among those whose lives and careers unfold on the pages are Bobby Bridger, Steve Fromholz, Michael Martin Murphey, Willie Nelson, B.W. Stevenson, Doug Sahm, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Each story is unique and adds to the mystique of the redneck rock legend.
Texas PBS invites everyone to join the conversation and be part of this unique experience. Go to texasourtexas.texaspbs.org/book-club, www.facebook.com/texaspbs, and @TexasPBS on Twitter.
About the Texas PBS Online Book Club
The Texas PBS Online Book Club was formed by Texans who want more opportunities to learn and discuss our shared history. The book club meets online throughout the year and gives readers a chance to discuss topics with noted experts.
Past topics have included Governor Ann Richards, the role of Texas in the Civil War and the 1937 New London, Texas, school explosion.
For more information about the online book club, go to texasourtexas.texaspbs.org/book-club
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by:
• Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates
• Spearheading collaborations among stations
• Illuminating public issues through relevant program content
• Advocating for policies that support robust public media
Texas PBS Stations Collaborate with Texas Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property and The Daytripper for a Special Event in Waco
Posted July 10, 2015
Waco, TX — Texas PBS announced today a collaboration with the Texas Comptroller’s ClaimItTexas.org and Chet Garner, host of the popular PBS show called The Daytripper for a special event July 17 at the Waco Public Library. It’s an opportunity to claim funds that are rightfully yours and to meet The Daytripper star. This event was made possible by the Texas Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.
The event will take place from 11 am to 5 pm Friday, July 17 at the Waco Public Library, 1717 Austin Avenue in Waco. Unclaimed Property Specialists will be available to help people search for unclaimed property online, fill out claim forms and answer questions about the program. Chet Garner will be on hand from Noon to 5 pm to offer travel advice for Texas “daytripping” and sign autographs. Chet will provide advice on where to day trip in Texas with any found money.
“I remember the day I discovered I had unclaimed money sitting at the Comptroller’s office,” said Garner, host of the popular Texas travel show. “It was like hitting the lotto. I got the check in the mail and immediately deposited it at a local BBQ joint on lunch. I’m very excited about helping others reclaim their money and giving them advice on how to use it wisely on the road daytrippin’ Texas.”
To search for unclaimed property at any time, or to view helpful how-to videos on the process, visit the Comptroller’s unclaimed property website at ClaimItTexas.org. For phone assistance, please call 1-800-654-FIND (3463).
“Texas has $4 billion in unclaimed property, and as Comptroller, one of my jobs is to get that money back in the hands of those who earned it,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. “I encourage Texans to search for their money online or contact my office to claim their rightful property.”
The event is free and open to the public.
“This a great opportunity to learn more about Texas communities,” said Kierstan Schwab, Texas PBS executive director. “We are proud to host this Unclaimed Property event with Chet Garner.”
About The Daytripper
The Daytripper was created to inspire folks to get out and explore the Lone Star State. Sure, national travel shows are entertaining, but that’s where they stop. The Daytripper is all about destinations in Texas for Texans, which means you can visit whenever you want. The Daytripper airs weekly on your Texas PBS station. For more information go to: www.thedaytripper.com
About ClaimItTexas.org
Texas has more than 25 million properties from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, overpayments, refunds, insurance premiums and mineral royalties. The amount of money waiting to be returned to its rightful owners is staggering. Texas holds more than $4 billion in missing money. For more information go to ClaimItTexas.org and connect with the Texas Comptroller on Facebook for the latest economic news, surveys and more. Follow us on Twitter @txcomptroller to get quick Comptroller news and information on doing business in Texas. www.claimitexas.org
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by:
• Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates,
• Spearheading collaborations among stations,
• Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and
• Advocating for policies that support robust public media.
For more information about Texas PBS go to: www.texaspbs.org.
TEXAS PBS STATIONS INVITE FAMILIES TO JOIN A PBS KIDS SUMMER SAFARI OF LEARNING
Posted June 9, 2015
Austin, Texas — This summer, Texas PBS stations are encouraging kids and their families to continue learning beyond the school year with a PBS KIDS “Summer Safari” of content and activities. Developed to help bridge the summer learning gap, PBS KIDS’ Summer Safari includes specials and new episodes from DINOSAUR TRAIN, WILD KRATTS, CURIOUS GEORGE and WORDGIRL, free digital tools for parents and kids, and partnerships with AARP Foundation Experience Corps, I Can Read books published by Harper Collins Children’s Books, Reading Is Fundamental and National PTA that bring learning activities directly to communities.
“Research shows that it is critical to support children’s learning during the summer months to help prevent learning loss while they are out of school,” said Kierstan Schwab, Texas PBS Executive Director. “Texas PBS stations are committed to making summer a fun and enriching time for all kids. Through this year’s Summer Safari programming and community activities, we will provide free PBS KIDS resources to Texas families, helping them learn and explore during the summer months.”
Programming
DINOSAUR TRAIN: Zeppelin Adventure: PBS KIDS Summer Safari kicks off in June with one-hour specials from DINOSAUR TRAIN every week, including the premiere of DINOSAUR TRAIN: Zeppelin Adventure on Monday, June 15 (check local listings). In this all-new one-hour special, the Pteranodon family takes off on the Dinosaur Train Zeppelin to explore the continent of Pangea.
WILD KRATTS Wild Wednesdays: July is jam-packed with WILD KRATTS fun every Wednesday. The month kicks off on Wednesday, July 1 (check local listings), with the hit movie WILD KRATTS: Back in Creature Time. Two new episodes of WILD KRATTS premiere each of the following Wednesdays in July. In addition, “Rhino Bowl,” an online game from WILD KRATTS, debuts this summer at pbskids.org. In this new mobile-friendly adventure, players must use rhinoceros-strength creature power to save the day.
CURIOUS GEORGE 3: Back to the Jungle: On Monday, August 17 the hit 2009 movie CURIOUS GEORGE 2: FOLLOW THAT MONKEY is followed by the world television premiere of CURIOUS GEORGE 3: Back to the Jungle. In the movie, George goes on an epic adventure to space that crash lands in the jungles of Africa, leading to an unforgettable journey with some new animal friends.
WORDGIRL: This summer, WORDGIRL flies onto screens from coast-to-coast and flexes her crime-solving muscles in 20 never-before-seen episodes on PBS KIDS digital platforms, including pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video App. Two episodes per week will premiere on air and on digital platforms throughout the summer.
Partnership Activities
AARP Foundation: PBS KIDS has partnered with AARP Foundation Experience Corps to extend the learning from this summer’s new WORDGIRL episodes. Through this initiative, AARP Foundation Experience Corps tutors, PBS member stations and their local partners will provide WORDGIRL literacy activity booklets to children in kindergarten through third grade. The activities build on the literacy and vocabulary skills addressed in the new WORDGIRL episodes, which will premiere weekly this summer. Episodes and materials will be available online at youtube.com/pbskids and youtube.com/aarpexperiencecorps, as well as pbskids.org/learn.
I Can Read! books published by HarperCollins Children’s Books: PBS KIDS and HarperCollins are offering free reading party kits for hosting an I Can Readathon event through participating retailers and PBS member stations. The kits include an I Can Read! activity booklet, reading logs, activity pages, stickers, certificates, a PBS KIDS Summer Safari activity chart and activity sheets.
Reading Is Fundamental and National PTA: PBS KIDS is partnering Reading Is Fundamental and National PTA to encourage families to explore reading and learning through a variety of activities this summer.
Digital Resources
PBSKIDS.org/learn: PBS KIDS provides parents with daily learning tips, extended learning ideas and recommended games and activities now through August 30 at pbskids.org/learn.
Free Apps: PBS KIDS offers a variety of free apps for parents and kids to support summer learning, including the PBS KIDS Super Vision App, now available on Apple Watch, and the popular PBS KIDS Video App. Information about the apps is available at pbskids.org/apps.
Free PBS KIDS Videos: PBS KIDS will once again offer free episodes of favorite PBS KIDS series through iTunes this summer.
Community Activities
Parents can follow @TexasPBS on Twitter and Facebook, and PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook for more information on free summer learning resources and special offers from PBS KIDS and its partners. Press materials related to PBS KIDS’ summer learning initiatives are available on PBS PressRoom.
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by:
• Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates,
• Spearheading collaborations among stations,
• Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and
• Advocating for policies that support robust public media.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content,
including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
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2015 TEXAS MEDAL OF ARTS AWARDS COMING TO TEXAS PBS STATIONS
Posted June 4, 2015
Awards Ceremony Features Jamie Foxx, T Bone Burnett, Dan Rather,
The Gatlin Brothers, Chandra Wilson, and Others
Presented by Texas Lottery
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Cultural Trust and Texas PBS are excited to announce the statewide broadcast of the preeminent Texas Medal of Arts Awards for the first time in the
event’s history on Texas PBS stations thanks to the generous support of the Texas
Lottery. 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the Trust and this year’s honorees include a
distinguished class of individuals who have achieved greatness through their creative
talents, as well as those whose generous philanthropy has opened doors of opportunity for
Texans of all ages. For more information, visit www.txculturaltrust.org.
The Texas Medal of Arts broadcast will feature honorees: T Bone Burnett, Music; Jamie
Foxx, Film; Kilgore College Rangerettes, Dance; Rick Lowe, Visual Arts; Dr Pepper Snapple
Group, Corporate Arts Patron; Margaret McDermott, Individual Arts Patron; Emilio Nicolas,
Multi-Media; Dan Rather and Chandra Wilson, Television; Charles Renfro, Architecture;
Robert Schenkkan, Theatre; Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts;
Lawrence Wright, Literary Arts; Ruth Altshuler, Standing Ovation Award; and The Gatlin
Brothers, Lifetime Achievement Award. It also includes performances by Texas Young
Masters Ani Mayo and Amber Pickens, and an All-Star jam finale featuring Jamie Foxx, Ray
Benson, Betty Buckley, and others.
“Broadcasting the Texas Medal of Arts Awards has been a goal of the organization for quite
some time and it is fitting we can make this goal a reality in time for our 20th anniversary,”
said Jennifer Ransom Rice, executive director off the Texas Cultural Trust. “This is a
wonderful opportunity for people across the state to experience what this event truly means to the honorees and everyone who attends. Texas PBS is the perfect broadcast partner due to their state-wide reach and commitment to cultural and educational programming, and we are grateful for the support of the Texas Lottery.”
The following Texas PBS stations will broadcast the Texas Medal of Arts Awards on (check local listings):
- Amarillo: Friday, June 12 at 9:30 pm
- Austin: Sunday, June 28 at 1:30 pm
- Corpus: Sunday, June 14 at 7 pm
- College Station: Sunday, June 7 at 6 pm
- Dallas: Friday, June 12 at 8pm
- El Paso: Friday, June 12 at 8 pm
- Harlingen: Friday, June 12 at 10 pm
- Houston: Friday July 10 at 9 pm
- Killeen: Friday, June 12 at 9 pm
- Lubbock: Friday, July 10 at 8 pm
- Midland/Odessa: Friday, June 12 at 8 pm
Texas PBS is a nonprofit association of the 12 Texas public television stations. The stations
work together to sustain public media and produce content relevant to Texans. For more
information on the Texas PBS station in your area, visit www.texaspbs.org.
“We are so pleased to bring this celebration of artists to the living rooms of Texans,” said
Kierstan Schwab, Texas PBS Executive Director. “The Texas Cultural Trust showcases
exceptional artists from our state and nurtures future artists. We feel fortunate to help
spread the word about all the amazing talent from our state.”
“Like the recipients of this year’s awards, the Texas Lottery is committed to giving back to
the state through its support of Texas education and veteran’s assistance programs. We are proud to honor their accomplishments and to sponsor the Texas Medal of Arts Awards.” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission.
The Texas Medal of the Arts Awards is the Trust’s signature event that celebrates those
whose artistic talent and philanthropic support of the arts ensure its continued importance
to the state’s economy, children’s education, and cultural landscape of Texas. Since its
inception in 2001, the Awards have celebrated 97 influential and talented honorees. For a
full list of previous honorees, visit www.txculturaltrust.org/tmaa.
About the Texas Cultural Trust
Established in 1995, the Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that
promotes and highlights the importance of the arts in educating our children and sustaining
our vibrant Texas economy. The Texas Cultural Trust supports the programs of the Texas
Commission on the Arts and other qualifying state agencies. In addition to the biennial
Texas Medal of Arts Awards, other programs include: Texas Women for the Arts, Founders
for the Arts, Adventures in the ARTS, the Young Masters scholarship program, Art of
Economic Development, and an Art & Digital Literacy Curriculum. For more information on
the Texas Cultural Trust, visit www.txculturaltrust.org
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Ken Burns Cancer Film to Screen at the Texas Capitol
Posted on March 19, 2015
KLRU-TV — Austin PBS — Texas PBS, American Cancer Society, and CPRIT host March 25 event, sponsored by Texas Oncology
The event is now full and we are no longer taking audience RSVPs.
Media Contact: Kierstan Schwab Texas PBS kschwab@texaspbs.org
Austin, TX – KLRU-TV, Austin PBS; Texas PBS; American Cancer Society and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) today announced that they will host a preview screening of the new Ken Burns film, Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies. The screening, sponsored by Texas Oncology, will take place at the Texas Capitol from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. It will include a 30-minute clip from the film as well as a panel discussion of leading cancer experts from Texas. The three-part, six-hour documentary directed by award-winning filmmaker Barak Goodman is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D., The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer (Simon & Schuster 2010).
The March 25 screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. William Rice, Oversight Committee Chair of CPRIT and Senior Vice President for Clinical Innovation at St. David’s HealthCare. Panelists are: • Dr. Greg Aune, Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio; • Dr. Emil Freireich, Ruth Harriet Ainsworth Chair, Developmental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; • Dr. Margaret Kripke, CPRIT’s Chief Scientific Officer and former Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and • Dr. Debra Patt, Medical Hematologist-Oncologist and Director of Public Policy, Texas Oncology Cancer Center.
“This timely documentary emphasizes the vital importance of cancer research, and how one scientific advance builds upon another,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT’s chief executive officer. “It reinvigorates all of us at CPRIT to do everything we can to ensure that advancements in mitigating cancer are not only found more quickly, but found right here in Texas. We’re honored to help host this special preview of the film.”
The film was executive-produced by Burns and will air on Texas PBS stations March 30-April 1. The documentary is part of a larger national project, which also includes a comprehensive national engagement campaign. The project is a collaboration between Florentine Films, Laura Ziskin Pictures, WETA, Ark Media, Stand Up to Cancer and an array of other project supporters, including WNYC, serving as the official radio partner.
“Texas has been a leader in the fight against cancer both in its commitment to research and the birth of many of the leading national organizations working for cancer patients, survivors and their families,” said Kierstan Schwab, Texas PBS executive director. ‘We are proud to bring together legislators, advocates and researchers to explore how far we’ve come and what we have left to do.”
“Texas Oncology couldn’t agree more with the hopeful message of the Ken Burns documentary – highlighted in vivid, personalized, and emotional stories about research-driven breakthroughs in genetics, immunotherapies, and other treatment advancements. That’s why we are pleased to join with Texas PBS and others in hosting this special preview of the film,” said Jeff Yorio, oncologist, hematologist, Texas Oncology-Central Austin. “Texas physicians, researchers, and their patients are playing a major role in turning the corner on cancer treatment discoveries.”
“The screening event here in Austin will be just one of many happening across the country over the next month,” says Andrea Taurins, Senior Director of Community Engagement, for the American Cancer Society. “Together, we’ll get to see how cancer started, whom it affects, and how we can eliminate it once and for all. With this much attention focused on cancer, its days are numbered.”
CancerFilms.org, the documentary’s newly expanded website, features an innovative digital short film series executive-produced by Burns and created by Redglass Pictures. Each of these conversation-starting short films showcases the intimate story of a cancer patient, caregiver, researcher or survivor and invites the viewer to engage with the project themes. Among those who have contributed stories to the project are actress Maura Tierney, actor Terrence Howard, New York Times Columnist Suleika Jaouad and the Physician-in-Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dr. Jose Baselga. Six stories from this series can be viewed now on the project’s Producers’ Blog at the following link: http://cancerfilmblog.org
“My work as a filmmaker is directly linked to the death of my mother from cancer when I was 11,” said Burns. “From the age of three, I watched her suffer and struggle with this awful disease, forever creating for me a desire to explore the past and to listen deeply to the stories that we all have to tell. I was frightened and exhilarated by Sid’s book and thrilled by (the) suggestion that we collaborate to turn this remarkable accomplishment into a film.”
Also, the interactive website includes user-generated content exploring the three aspects of the series: a riveting historical documentary, an engrossing and intimate vérité film that focuses on current patients, and a scientific report. The website is intended for the vast cancer community of patients and survivors, family members, caregivers, scientists, clinicians and other healthcare providers — to share their stories. Engage with the project at CancerFilms.org, on Twitter via @CancerFilm or project hashtag #CancerFilm, and visit the project on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CancerFilm.
“I am of course honored to have an opportunity to work with such accomplished filmmakers and with such inspiring partners,” Dr. Mukherjee noted. “Emperor very much grew out of my experience as a cancer physician trying to navigate and to understand this historic disease. Treating cancer is one of the most significant human challenges we’ve ever faced. But now, for the first time, we are at an extraordinary moment in the history of cancer research because we finally are beginning to understand what causes cancer at a cellular, or molecular, or a genetic level in a way we just did not know ten years ago or even five years ago. This project will provide the public with a clearer vision of where we are in this extraordinary journey.”
Barak Goodman, who in addition to directing the film serves as the series producer, observed, “This is such a rich, historic and still tragic story that it challenges us as filmmakers every day. But it is also a moment of great optimism that at last we may be turning the tables on this disease. I want people to come away from our film with less fear and more hope about the future of cancer.”
About The Film
Ken Burns Presents CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES A Film by Barak Goodman is a production of Florentine Films, Laura Ziskin Pictures and WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ark Media. Executive Producer and Senior Creative Consultant: Ken Burns. Written by Geoffrey Ward and Kenneth L. Burns; and Barak Goodman and David Blistein. Based on the book The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. Produced and directed by Barak Goodman. Executive Producers: Dalton Delan, David S. Thompson, Pamela Oas Williams and Laura Ziskin.
About KLRU-TV
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique – whether music, arts or public issues – by creating and distributing award-winning original content. KLRU produces several series including Austin City Limits, Arts In Context, Central Texas Gardener, Civic Summit and Overheard with Evan Smith. As a nonprofit educational organization, KLRU also prepares children to succeed in school and creates lifelong learning opportunities for all. Find out more at KLRU.org
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by: • Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates, • Spearheading collaborations among stations, • Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and • Advocating for policies that support robust public media. For more information about Texas PBS go to: www.texaspbs.org.
About the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2007 establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and authorizing the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services in Texas. CPRIT’s goal is to expedite innovation in cancer research and product development, and to enhance access to evidence-based prevention programs throughout the state. Under the guidance of its governing body, the Oversight Committee, CPRIT accepts applications and awards grants for a wide variety of cancer-related research and for the delivery of cancer prevention programs and services by public and private entities located in Texas. All CPRIT-funded research will be conducted in state by Texas-based scientists and reflect CPRIT’s mission to attract and expand the state’s research capabilities and create high quality new jobs in Texas.
About Texas Oncology
Texas Oncology delivers high-quality cancer care with leading-edge technology and advanced treatment and therapy options available to help patients achieve “More breakthroughs. More victories.® in the fight against cancer. Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is an independent oncology practice with sites of service throughout Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. Texas Breast Specialists and Texas Urology Specialists, which focus on all areas of breast and urologic care, are a part of Texas Oncology.
Texas Oncology patients have the opportunity to take part in some of the most promising clinical trials in the nation for a broad range of cancers. Texas Oncology, through its affiliation with US Oncology Research, has played a role in more than 50 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date.
Texas Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks focused on advancing cancer care in America. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Texas Oncology is united with more than 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals nationwide. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health. For more information, visit www.TexasOncology.com or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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Texas PBS and Bullock Texas State History Museum Partner to Promote One of the Biggest Discoveries in North America
Posted on October 24, 2014
Austin, TX — The Texas PBS stations today announced a partnership with Bullock Texas State History Museum and the State Preservation Board to let Texans know they can now see the remains of one of the most important shipwrecks in North America. La Belle: The Ship That Changed History will open to the public starting Saturday, Oct. 25. Texans can visit the exhibition and see the French explorer La Salle’s ship that sank in in Matagorda Bay off the Texas Coast in 1686. On view daily, the exhibition includes a live-action rebuild of La Belle Wednesday through Saturday in the gallery through May 2015.
Five Texas PBS stations have teamed up with the Bullock Texas State History Museum to drive visitors to the museum and this special exhibition. The new campaign designed by KLRU-TV, Austin’s PBS, features the significance of this exhibition and encourages Texans to see it for themselves. PBS viewers in Dallas, Fort Worth, College Station, Houston, San Antonio and Austin will be encouraged to visit the museum.
“This exhibition tells the story of France’s 17th century ambitions and the extraordinary archaeological resurrection of La Belle,” Bullock Museum Director Dr. Victoria Ramirez said. “This partnership with Texas PBS will allow us to get the word out about this long-awaited and history-changing chapter to the Story of Texas.”
Pairing the efforts to draw new visitors with the unique PBS audience will bring more Texans to the museum. Also, the Bullock Museum sponsorship helps PBS stations bring Texans the popular educational and entertaining programs that are found on PBS stations such as Antiques Roadshow and American Experience.
“We know that Texans and particularly Texas PBS viewers are passionate about Texas history,” said Kierstan Schwab, executive director of Texas PBS. “Partnering with the Bullock Museum enables us to link that passion to the Bullock Museum and one of its most important exhibitions.”
Plagued by piracy, murder, and miscalculation, La Salle’s North American colonization expedition seemed destined for failure. Setting sail from King Louis XIV’s France in 1684, La Salle intended to land at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Instead, he sailed into Matagorda Bay. By 1686, bad weather left the expedition’s one remaining ship, La Belle, abandoned in the bay’s shallow waters. It eventually sank into the mud and took all of its stories with it. Until it was discovered in 1995.
More than 100 artifacts and a live-action reassembly tell a story that was lost at sea for 300 years. Discover what items 17th century French settlers thought were important enough to transport across the ocean to establish a new North American colony. An iconic La Belle artifact, the bronze cannon, tells more than a military story.
It was the carved dolphin handles, along with other cannon insignia, that helped historians determine that the wreckage they had discovered was indeed La Belle. A replica of the ship pinpoints where the artifacts were found during excavation. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, watch up-close inside the gallery as the ultimate artifact of the exhibition, the ship itself, rises again as experts reassemble the vessel, timber by timber.
About Bullock Texas State History Museum
Since its inception, the museum has looked at utilizing innovative and inspiring ways to tell the many-faceted Story of Texas. The Bullock Museum is a hallmark of excellence in history education, teacher preparation, visitor experience, and family enrichment.
Learn more at www.thestoryoftexas.com.
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by: • Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates, • Spearheading collaborations among stations, • Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and • Advocating for policies that support robust public media.
For more information about Texas PBS go to: www.texaspbs.org.
Texas PBS Stations Collaborate with Texas Public Radio and Texas Tribune to delve into perspectives on water shortages
Posted on October 13, 2014
Austin, TX — Texas PBS announced today that seven stations are collaborating with the Texas Tribune and public radio partners to provide an in-depth look at how communities are coping with water shortages across the state. The collaboration will produce a one-hour special that will air on Texas PBS Stations this month (see schedule below). Texas Perspective: Water is the first in a future series aimed at tackling important issues that affect all Texans.
“We hope this collaboration will provide a new way to look at problems and solutions in our state,” said Kierstan Schwab, Texas PBS executive director. “We are all Texans but we have different perspectives on how to approach tough issues. This public media collaborative will try to identify various perspectives and share them across the state.”
Despite the widespread attention on the drought, Texas communities are still working hard to raise awareness of water shortages throughout the state. Texas Perspective: Water (texaspbs.org/texasperspective) program and web site will delve into water use, how drought has changed urban environments, specifically several major urban plans already in progress; water supply, an examination of the dwindling supply and communities on the brink of not having enough water to meet basic needs; economic impact, how industry and agriculture use is driving conservation plans; water acquisition, a piece about buying water rights, shipping water, other infrastructure needs such as reservoirs and water conservation, how cities are using gray water and dealing with the need for tougher conservation measures.
Panhandle PBS and KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, led the production effort and put together the 60-minute broadcast special. KERA in Dallas, KCOS in El Paso, KTTZ in Lubbock, Houston Public Media and Basin PBS in Midland & Odessa contributed stories to the 60-minute news magazine program. In addition, Newspaper Tree in El Paso and the Texas Tribune in Austin contributed stories and content for the program.
“One of the strengths of public media is we are deeply tied to the communities we serve,” said Bill Stotesbery CEO and GM of KLRU and chair of Texas PBS board, “which uniquely positions us to be able to do this kind of in-depth reporting across the state.”
This public media partnership includes reporting partners in public radio and the Texas Tribune.
Texas Perspective: Water The special news magazine program will air on all of the 12 Texas PBS stations.
Here’s a schedule:
• KACV-TV, Amarillo, 7 p.m. Oct. 16
• KLRU-TV, Austin, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16
• KAMU-TV, College Station, 8 p.m. Oct. 16
• KEDT-TV, Corpus Christi, 8 p.m. Oct. 16
• KERA-TV, Dallas/Fort Worth, 7 p.m. Oct. 22
• KCOS-TV, El Paso, 7 p.m. Oct. 16
• KMBH-TV, Rio Grande Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 16
• Houston Public Media, 10 p.m. Nov. 10
• KNCT-TV, Killeen, Temple & Waco, 8 p.m. Oct. 23
• KTTZ-TV, Lubbock, 8 p.m. Oct. 16
• Basin PBS, Midland/Odessa, 8 p.m. Oct. 18
• KLRN-TV, San Antonio, 9 pm Nov. 20
The radio reports are scheduled to begin Oct. 15.
About KLRU-TV KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique – whether music, arts or public issues – by creating and distributing award-winning original content. KLRU produces several series including Austin City Limits, Arts In Context, Central Texas Gardener, Civic Summit and Overheard with Evan Smith. As a nonprofit educational organization, KLRU also prepares children to succeed in school and creates lifelong learning opportunities for all. Find out more at KLRU.org
About Panhandle PBS Panhandle PBS began operation in August, 1988 as the Panhandle’s PBS member station. Licensed to Amarillo College the station extends the community college philosophy of improving the quality of life for all residents. Panhandle PBS operates digital channels 2.1 and 2.2 — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to providing quality PBS Programming, Panhandle PBS has a long history of producing local programs that address timely concerns and celebrate the region. Panhandle PBS has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Edward R. Murrow and Barbara Jordan citations. Find out more at PanhandlePBS.org.
About Texas PBS The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by: • Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates, • Spearheading collaborations among stations, • Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and • Advocating for policies that support robust public media.
For more information about Texas PBS go to: www.texaspbs.org.
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Texas PBS and AARP Partner to Bring Texans Election Debates
Posted on September 22
The Texas PBS stations today announced a partnership with AARP Texas to help bring awareness to the fall election season. This AARP awareness campaign includes sponsorship of the 2014 Gubernatorial Debate and local sponsorship around the Lieutenant Governor’s debate. AARP has developed a guide to help Texas voters learn about the gubernatorial candidates’ positions.
KERA, the North Texas public television and radio stations, will host Attorney General Greg Abbott and State Senator Wendy Davis in The Texas Debates: The Race for Governor. The live, one-hour debate is a co-production with NBC 5/KXAS-TV and Telemundo39/KXTX-TV, The Dallas Morning News and Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB). The program will be broadcast on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at 8 p.m. CT on television, radio and online.
KLRU, Austin’s PBS station, will host state Senator Dan Patrick and State Senator Leticia Van de Putte in The Texas Lieutenant Governor Debate 2014. The live, one-hour debate is a co-production with the Texas Tribune, Univision and Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB). The program will be broadcast on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at 7 p.m. CT on television, radio and online.
<< press release
Texas PBS teams up with Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission to drive visitors to Lafayette and Festivals Acadiens et Crèoles
Posted on August 26
Lafayette Louisiana
Six Texas PBS stations have teamed up with the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission (Lafayette CVC) to drive visitors to Lafayette, Louisiana and their upcoming Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. The new campaign designed by the Lafayette CVC showcases Lafayette’s unique and diverse cuisine. The sponsor message encourages viewers to “Taste Lafayette.”
Not only is Lafayette’s cuisine loved by visitors, it is nationally recognized and awarded. In the July/August issue of AAA Southern Traveler magazine, Lafayette won “Tastiest Town”; as well as “Best Small Town in Louisiana” and “Best Getaway in the South”. The 30-second sponsorship tempts PBS viewer’s appetites with images of Lafayette’s signature dishes and fresh seafood. The campaign was designed to help showcase that unique personality of Lafayette: welcoming, hospitable, energetic, and the “Tastiest Town in the South.”
“A win in the tastiest town category continues a nice streak of food awards for Lafayette, and these types of awards help validate our reputation as a foodie town with some of the best locally owned restaurants in the world,” said Ben Berthelot, Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission President and CEO. Lafayette has also been awarded: Best Food City (Rand McNally/ USA Today, 2011), Tastiest Town in the South (Southern Living, 2012) and Top 10 Foodie City (Livability.com, 2013).
Signature dishes will be featured at the Bayou Food Festival, part of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles held in Lafayette’s Girard Park on October 9th-12th. Festivals Acadiens is an immersion of Lafayette’s culture, food, music and crafts. The festival welcomes all ages.
Pairing the efforts to draw new visitors with the unique PBS audience will bring even more educated and affluent Texans to Lafayette. The Lafayette CVC sponsorship helps PBS stations bring the great educational and entertaining programs that are found on PBS stations on shows such as Antiques Roadshow and how-to programs such as John Folse’s A Taste of Louisiana.
“We know that Texans and particularly Texas PBS viewers love to travel to neighboring communities and states,” said Kierstan Schwab, executive director of Texas PBS. “Pairing the Lafayette CVC with the PBS audience is a great partnership for both of us.”
Research has shown that Texan’s frequently visit their neighboring state of Louisiana. TNS, leader in global market research, shows that 26% of Louisiana’s visitors travel from Texas.
About Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
The mission of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission is to encourage economic growth by developing, promoting, enhancing and supporting Lafayette as a vibrant visitor destination.
For more information on the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission and to personalize your very own Trip Planner, visit http://www.lafayettetravel.com or call 1-800-346-1958. Bon Temps the Official Tourism Guide of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission can also be accessed or requested at the above contact.
About Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is a cooperative of independent festivals that began in 1977 including the Louisiana Native & Contemporary Crafts Festival, Bayou Food Festival and Tribute to Cajun Music. The festival is held every October in Girard Park and surrounding areas.
For more information on Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, visit http://www.festivalsacadiens.com or call 800-346-1958.
About Texas PBS
The mission of Texas PBS is to build a vibrant public broadcasting platform throughout Texas by:
• Cultivating financial resources for local affiliates,
• Spearheading collaborations among stations,
• Illuminating public issues through relevant program content, and
• Advocating for policies that support robust public media.