Paley Center And WNET.ORG Join For Interview Series; Lansbury, Grey To Appear

Media is everywhere: it connects us, influences the way we think and live and, in many ways, defines who we are. The Paley Center for Media examines these intersections between media and society through thoughtful and entertaining conversations with media personalities and a collection of nearly150,000 programs covering almost 100 years of television and radio history. Now, The Paley Center for Media and Creative News Group in association with WNET.ORG - one of America's most prolific and respected public media providers - brings these legendary voices and footage to New York metro area public television viewers in the new interview series At the Paley Center premiering Fridays at 7 p.m. on WLIW21 and 9:30 p.m. on THIRTEEN beginning October 1.

Hosted by Pat Mitchell, President and CEO of The Paley Center for Media, each half-hour episode of the new six-part series concentrates on an individual who has made a significant contribution to media, particularly television, including Ted Danson (October 1), Angela Lansbury (October 8), Jimmy Fallon with special guest moderator BrIan Williams (October 15), Meredith Vieira (October 22), Tavis Smiley (October 29), and Joel Grey (November 5). Each personality interviewed shares insights about his or her own place in TV history and the changing landscape of media. Guests also look back at some of their most memorable television appearances, illustrated by clips from the Paley Center collection. The clips seen in the series range from rare black-and-white moments of early television shows, including Ford Theatre, Four Star Playhouse, The Eleventh Hour, December Bride, and The Colgate Comedy Hour, to some of today's hottest programs, including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Damages.

Episodes of At the Paley Center will stream online after each week's premiere at www.thirteen.org/paleycenter.

At the Paley Center is a production of The Paley Center for Media and a presentation of Creative News Group in association with WNET.ORG. Executive Producers for The Paley Center for Media are Pat Mitchell, Diane Lewis, John Wolters, and Susan Lester for LesterMedia. For Creative News Group Mary Lockhart is Executive Producer and Stephen Segaller and Neal Shapiro are Executives in Charge. The series is funded by Rosalind P. Walter. Additional underwriting for the Meredith Vieira episode was provided by Accenture.

About WNET.ORG

New York public media company WNET.ORG is a pioneering provider of television and web content. The parent of THIRTEEN, WLIW21 and Creative News Group, WNET.ORG brings such acclaimed broadcast series and websites as Need To Know, Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Charlie Rose, Secrets of the Dead, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Visions, Consuelo Mack WealthTrack, Miffy and Friends, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps and Cyberchase to national and international audiences. Through its wide range of channels and platforms, WNET.ORG serves the entire New York City metro area with unique local productions, broadcasts and innovative educational and cultural projects. In all that it does, WNET.ORG pursues a single, overarching goal - to create media experiences of lasting significance for New York, America and the world. For more information, visit www.wnet.org.

About The Paley Center for Media
The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit www.paleycenter.org.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.