PSM INNOVATIONS

PBS’ Innovation Centers

A new production initiative by the US’ Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) exemplifies how public media is embracing digital innovation, collaboration, and diversity.

22 February 2022

PBS Digital Studios – which produces content for Facebook and YouTube “designed to engage, enlighten, and entertain online audiences” – recently appointed three public media member stations to be “Regional Digital Centers of Innovations”. The participating member stations are Houston Public Media, Rocky Mountain PBS, and PBS North Carolina, selected for their efforts in serving a diverse range of audiences. The three stations will be given support to enhance their digital capacity and content development through digital workshops and training, and will work with three other PBS stations each to develop up to 15 new digital series over the next two years. The series will become available across digital platforms and social media later this year.

The content will focus on PBS’ ongoing commitment to elevate “more diverse voices” both in front of and behind the camera, said Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager. “These regional centers of innovation are a key part of our multiplatform content strategy and we look forward to delivering new stories that will educate, inform, and inspire all Americans.”

While the concept of innovation is exciting and often digital-driven, these initiatives and experiments can often be costly and risky. This new initiative has been made possible by a $3 million grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). It is crucial that public media have the funding to be able to take these risks, as they strive to serve new audiences in fresh ways.

“These regional centers of innovation are a key part of our multiplatform content strategy and we look forward to delivering new stories that will educate, inform, and inspire all Americans.”  – Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager

Over to you...


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