PBS' Chief Optimistic on Pubcaster's Relevance; Announces New Projects

PBS' president and CEO Paula Kerger is optimistic about the pubcasters, according to Deadline. During PBS' portion of the TCA summer press tour, Kerger explained that the government funding crisis that was happening the last time she faced critics (in January) was less severe now.

"At this critical moment," Kerger said, "the American people reached out to their elected officials and were responsible for preserving federal funding for public broadcasting."

Also helping PBS is the fact that there is no other TV network that is as dedicated to the arts. Cable networks like A&E and Bravo, which once aired the same types of programming, are now more focused on the reality genre with shows like "Storage Wars" and "The Real Housewives."

"Some of the cable networks have moved in a slightly different direction," Kerger said. "Bringing arts programming to the American public is how A&E started. The 'A' in A&E once stood for "Arts." Bravo (at the beginning) was very much focused on arts content instead of the kinds of programs they're doing now -- which are also about creativity but again a different type of creativity. So for us to be focusing on the arts gives us a unique vantage point that no other media organization has."

Kerger also announced that PBS will be premiering new Masterpiece projects:

--Page Eight, premiering on Masterpiece Contemporary on Nov. 6, at 9 PM: Stars Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz in the story of an aging spy who stumbles onto an international scandal that could bring down the British government.

--The Song of Lunch, premiering on Masterpiece Contemporary on Nov. 13 at 9 PM: Stars Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson as former lovers who meet for a nostalgic lunch 15 years after their breakup. A dramatization of the narrative poem by Christopher Reid.

Also announced:

--PBS will present seven new short films as part of the "PBS Arts Fall Festival" beginning Oct. 14. The short films will focus on the cultural aspects of seven American cities: Seattle, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Cleveland, Minneapolis and the Blue Ridge Mountain region.

--The "Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park" free concert at Central Park's Great Lawn on Sept. 15 will be recorded and presented on Great Performances on Dec. 2 as part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival.

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