A Peek at the PBS Insider Experience | Annual Meeting
Through the PBS Insider Experience, station supporters got a behind-the-scenes look at PBS at the Annual Meeting in San Diego. What better way to deepen the connection of supporters to local stations than giving them access to PBS leadership, talent and producers!
Sally Maison | Friends of MontanaPBS Board Member & Station Supporter“Thank you so much for the opportunity to go to the PBS Annual Meeting. In a world climate that is so ugly and painful it was absolutely wonderful to be with 1200 people who are dedicated to putting decent (and good) footage on our TVs. I was indeed inspired. Ken Burns and Judy Woodruff, of course, are standouts but the whole crowd was amazing.”
The PBS Insider Experience kicked off with an intimate welcome session with PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. Kerger gave guests a taste of what they were going to experience at Annual Meeting and thanked them for their support.
Later that day, PBS Insiders gathered for an exclusive opportunity to meet the remarkable people behind PBS’ premiere science series – Paula Apsell and Julia Cort. Supporters heard about upcoming NOVA programming, including a first look with Dr. Talithia Williams at the new mini-series NOVA Wonders. Dr. Williams grew up watching NOVA so it was exciting to hear her personal connection with PBS.
That evening, supporters gathered for an unforgettable evening on the USS Midway with NASA Astronaut, Captain Scott Kelly and PBS NewsHour’s Miles O’Brien. To learn more about that evening, check out this blog post.
Alysha Anders | Major Gifts & Planned Giving Officer | WCMU Public Broadcasting"Our donors had an amazing experience. They were tickled with all of the mentions and well wishes of their anniversary. I think it was the best anniversary they ever had!”
Crystal Beaty | Senior Director of Development | MontanaPBS“Our station supporters had a wonderful time and we will certainly look forward to offering the Insider Experience to future guests.”
The next day, PBS Insiders were joined by PBS NewsHour’s Judy Woodruff. Woodruff gave supporters a glimpse at how the PBS NewsHour puts together their nightly news program, and talked about the ever-changing political landscape. Woodruff allowed plenty of time for supporters’ questions, which they weren’t shy to ask!
Next up, supporters met Rebecca Eaton who gave a preview of the delightful world of MASTERPIECE. Eaton shared some behind-the-scenes details of how the programs are created and what we can expect from MASTERPIECE’s rising stars. The PBS Insiders in attendance were avid watchers, and one expressed the strong need for more episodes of Homes Fires. Eaton said how much she wished this would be the case, but alas all good things must come to an end.
Our PBS Insider Experience ended with a session that is at the heart of PBS’ mission – Education. Lesli Rotenberg, PBS’ Senior Vice President & General Manager, Children’s Media & Education, discussed the impact of the 24/7 service in local communities and how stations can join in this effort to meet the needs of our youngest viewers. PBS Insiders also got to test out the first kids’ TV and playtime streaming stick, PBS KIDS Plug & Play. This stick, which looks like a race car toy, comes pre-loaded with sing-alongs, exclusive games and other original content that can all be accessed without Wi-Fi, again ensuring that PBS KIDS can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
We hope your supporters will join us for a future PBS Insider Experience, including next year’s PBS Annual Meeting in New Orleans (May 7-9, 2018).