Current
@current.org
News and opinion about public and nonprofit media in the U.S. https://current.org
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Reposted by Current
Extremely cool that these listening clubs are established voluntarily by Radio Ambulante listeners but supported by the show with guidance for facilitation and an interactive map to help more people plug in current.org/2024/11/how-...
How ‘Radio Ambulante’ is sparking connections with in-person Listening Clubs
Radio Ambulante Studios received funding this year to convene new Listening Clubs focused on issues of importance to Latino voters.
current.org
December 28, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Extremely cool that these listening clubs are established voluntarily by Radio Ambulante listeners but supported by the show with guidance for facilitation and an interactive map to help more people plug in current.org/2024/11/how-...
Reposted by Current
PBS says there was no effort by the Arkansas commission to negotiate before voting to end being a PBS member. The national network hopes Arkansas will reconsider.
“This news came as a shock to us,” wrote PBS SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins. “PBS did not receive any indication from Arkansas TV that this was under consideration.” current.org/2025/12/in-l...
In letter to commission, PBS expresses hope that Arkansas TV will reverse decision on cutting PBS programming
SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins said PBS was shocked to learn that the Arkansas Educational Television Commission would drop its programming.
current.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
PBS says there was no effort by the Arkansas commission to negotiate before voting to end being a PBS member. The national network hopes Arkansas will reconsider.
“This news came as a shock to us,” wrote PBS SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins. “PBS did not receive any indication from Arkansas TV that this was under consideration.” current.org/2025/12/in-l...
In letter to commission, PBS expresses hope that Arkansas TV will reverse decision on cutting PBS programming
SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins said PBS was shocked to learn that the Arkansas Educational Television Commission would drop its programming.
current.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
“This news came as a shock to us,” wrote PBS SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins. “PBS did not receive any indication from Arkansas TV that this was under consideration.” current.org/2025/12/in-l...
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Yesterday night I was dissecting with fellow audio lovers the genius sound design behind Jad Abumrad’s new series on Fela Kuti. It offered lessons on how to write around music, which I tried to incorporate in stories like this one, from Syria
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
Old divides in a new Syria
One year after the ousting of the Assad regime, some of the first Syrian revolutionaries return to their homes and try to start their lives again. But new divisions and old animosities still fester.
www.npr.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Yesterday night I was dissecting with fellow audio lovers the genius sound design behind Jad Abumrad’s new series on Fela Kuti. It offered lessons on how to write around music, which I tried to incorporate in stories like this one, from Syria
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
“This is the time not to be alone,” said John Lugo, a host on WNHH in New Haven, Conn. “This is the time to build more community, to work together.” current.org/2025/12/how-...
How Spanish-language community stations are navigating immigration crackdowns
As the Trump administration ramps up ICE actions, Spanish-language stations are working with limited resources to inform listeners while staying under the radar.
current.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:49 PM
“This is the time not to be alone,” said John Lugo, a host on WNHH in New Haven, Conn. “This is the time to build more community, to work together.” current.org/2025/12/how-...
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The Jane Austen Summer Program is mentioned in The Current's article about Jane Austen's 250th birthday! Read here: current.org/2025/12/publ...
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
Public TV celebrates 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth
Propelled in part by numerous ‘Masterpiece’ dramas based on her novels, Austen's popularity shows no signs of abating.
current.org
December 16, 2025 at 11:10 PM
The Jane Austen Summer Program is mentioned in The Current's article about Jane Austen's 250th birthday! Read here: current.org/2025/12/publ...
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
“Younger people just keep discovering her, want to watch movies, series and even documentaries about the author behind the novels,” said "Masterpiece" Senior Series Producer Erin Delaney. “That just helps build the following for 'Masterpiece' and other public media.” current.org/2025/12/publ...
Public TV celebrates 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth
Propelled in part by numerous ‘Masterpiece’ dramas based on her novels, Austen's popularity shows no signs of abating.
current.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:31 PM
“Younger people just keep discovering her, want to watch movies, series and even documentaries about the author behind the novels,” said "Masterpiece" Senior Series Producer Erin Delaney. “That just helps build the following for 'Masterpiece' and other public media.” current.org/2025/12/publ...
The new shows will “build on existing editorial strengths of our newsroom and allow us to dive deeper into topics our audiences care about deeply,” said Sara Just, PBS News senior EP and WETA SVP. current.org/2025/12/weta...
WETA rolls out two programs to replace ‘PBS News Weekend’
One program will cover international affairs, and the other will focus on science, technology and health.
current.org
December 15, 2025 at 7:24 PM
The new shows will “build on existing editorial strengths of our newsroom and allow us to dive deeper into topics our audiences care about deeply,” said Sara Just, PBS News senior EP and WETA SVP. current.org/2025/12/weta...
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A true mensch is retiring from public radio. Happy I got to see Danny last month in Philly to help send him off. current.org/2025/12/comi...
Comings and goings: ‘Fresh Air’ co-EP Danny Miller to retire, Houston Public Media appoints station manager …
Danny Miller, co-EP of WHYY's "Fresh Air," is retiring.
current.org
December 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM
A true mensch is retiring from public radio. Happy I got to see Danny last month in Philly to help send him off. current.org/2025/12/comi...
With the WSRE Foundation in control of at least $5 million, Board Chair Amy Day described the lawsuit as focusing on “Whose money is it, and what can we do?” current.org/2025/12/wsre...
WSRE Foundation files lawsuit against college licensee for control of donor funds
The lawsuit may determine not only control of foundation money but also whether PBS programming will continue on the station beyond 2026.
current.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:14 PM
With the WSRE Foundation in control of at least $5 million, Board Chair Amy Day described the lawsuit as focusing on “Whose money is it, and what can we do?” current.org/2025/12/wsre...
Reposted by Current
Vermont Public is having their winter membership drive and offering a very Vermont-appropriate sweepstakes. The winner will receive four snow tires.
December 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Vermont Public is having their winter membership drive and offering a very Vermont-appropriate sweepstakes. The winner will receive four snow tires.
“I cannot believe that the Arkansas educational TV organization would vote to walk away from DECADES of quality programming!” wrote one viewer on social media. current.org/2025/12/arka...
Arkansas PBS to drop PBS, rebrand as Arkansas TV
The Arkansas Educational Television Commission voted 6-2 Thursday to drop PBS programming next summer.
current.org
December 12, 2025 at 2:49 PM
“I cannot believe that the Arkansas educational TV organization would vote to walk away from DECADES of quality programming!” wrote one viewer on social media. current.org/2025/12/arka...
“If you look back at Bill’s work, it’s almost like he knew the future because of what he was reporting on,” says longtime collaborator Judy Doctoroff. current.org/2025/12/new-...
New documentary feature will examine life and work of Bill Moyers
Produced and directed by longtime collaborators, the film is scheduled to be completed next fall.
current.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:07 PM
“If you look back at Bill’s work, it’s almost like he knew the future because of what he was reporting on,” says longtime collaborator Judy Doctoroff. current.org/2025/12/new-...
The expenses for LNP Media Group exceeded revenue by more than $5.5 million in FY25 and more than $4 million in FY24. current.org/2025/12/witf...
WITF parent company gifts newspaper to nonprofit led by David Greene
Greene said he plans to have an “ambitious philanthropic strategy from day one" and will also consider "ways to rebuild trust.”
current.org
December 2, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The expenses for LNP Media Group exceeded revenue by more than $5.5 million in FY25 and more than $4 million in FY24. current.org/2025/12/witf...
“I think for a long time, public media shied away from sports,” says @whyy.org Audio GM Joan Cherry Isabella. “But I think … that may have been a mistake. People love sports.” current.org/2025/11/publ...
Public radio gets back in the game with ‘Sports in America’
More than 60 stations are carrying the program hosted by David Greene.
current.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:57 PM
“I think for a long time, public media shied away from sports,” says @whyy.org Audio GM Joan Cherry Isabella. “But I think … that may have been a mistake. People love sports.” current.org/2025/11/publ...
”I competed with the puppets, which is ridiculous,” Manzano says. “But when I realized that I was a straight man and they were the comics and all I had to do was set up the joke, that’s when I understood what my job was.” current.org/2025/11/new-...
New documentary examines life of ‘Sesame Street’ trailblazer Sonia Manzano
"Street Smart: Lessons From a TV Icon" highlights the legacy of the public TV star.
current.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
”I competed with the puppets, which is ridiculous,” Manzano says. “But when I realized that I was a straight man and they were the comics and all I had to do was set up the joke, that’s when I understood what my job was.” current.org/2025/11/new-...
“They don’t do the shock value stuff,” said an APT viewer and “PBS News Hour” fan. “They just tell you what’s happened, and I think that’s vitally important.” current.org/2025/11/comm...
Commission votes to keep PBS programming on Alabama Public Television
A commissioner who advocated for cutting ties had called PBS “the enemy of what I stand with.”
current.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
“They don’t do the shock value stuff,” said an APT viewer and “PBS News Hour” fan. “They just tell you what’s happened, and I think that’s vitally important.” current.org/2025/11/comm...
“This is not an option for you to debate. It’s an obligation that you need to fulfill,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and a former NJ PBS board member. (Via @newjerseymonitor.com) current.org/2025/11/new-...
New Jersey lawmakers hear pleas to save public broadcasting
The testimony comes after NJ PBS said it would close in June.
current.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“This is not an option for you to debate. It’s an obligation that you need to fulfill,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and a former NJ PBS board member. (Via @newjerseymonitor.com) current.org/2025/11/new-...
"Such a sweeping, immediate action, especially if taken unilaterally by the executive branch, should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process," said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican. current.org/2025/11/gove...
Governor asks Alabama Public Television board to pump brakes on PBS decision
The Alabama Educational Television Commission is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to cut ties with PBS and drop its programming.
current.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:54 PM
"Such a sweeping, immediate action, especially if taken unilaterally by the executive branch, should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process," said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican. current.org/2025/11/gove...
The last airdate of "PBS News Weekend" will be Jan. 11. current.org/2025/11/weta...
WETA to cut staff, cancel ‘PBS News Weekend’ and close News Hour West bureau
The restructuring includes the elimination of 34 positions, following another round of cuts made in September.
current.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:33 PM
The last airdate of "PBS News Weekend" will be Jan. 11. current.org/2025/11/weta...
Reposted by Current
I see #radio host and interviewer Martin Perlich has died:
current.org/2025/11/radi...
I note that he and I both had interviews with Frank Zappa.
Here’s his (mine, for better or worse) is lost in the ether.
youtu.be/_rH3pHh0pyo
current.org/2025/11/radi...
I note that he and I both had interviews with Frank Zappa.
Here’s his (mine, for better or worse) is lost in the ether.
youtu.be/_rH3pHh0pyo
Frank Zappa: 1972 Summer KMET-FM The Electric Tongue interview by Martin Perlich
YouTube video by What's Zappa
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I see #radio host and interviewer Martin Perlich has died:
current.org/2025/11/radi...
I note that he and I both had interviews with Frank Zappa.
Here’s his (mine, for better or worse) is lost in the ether.
youtu.be/_rH3pHh0pyo
current.org/2025/11/radi...
I note that he and I both had interviews with Frank Zappa.
Here’s his (mine, for better or worse) is lost in the ether.
youtu.be/_rH3pHh0pyo
Reposted by Current
NYU professor argues that #publicmedia without public funding necessarily becomes media only for the elites. current.org/2025/10/opin...
Opinion: Why public funding still matters for journalism in a democracy
"The philanthropic nonprofit model is simply not up to the job of playing the unifying civic role that is the ultimate purpose of any public media worthy of the name."
current.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:28 PM
NYU professor argues that #publicmedia without public funding necessarily becomes media only for the elites. current.org/2025/10/opin...
Reposted by Current
Spotted as we clean out the Marketplace offices before we move. Tells you how long we’ve been here.
November 10, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Spotted as we clean out the Marketplace offices before we move. Tells you how long we’ve been here.
It's the last day to respond — have you been laid off from a public media job since the rescission? Take our confidential survey:
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November 10, 2025 at 6:52 PM
It's the last day to respond — have you been laid off from a public media job since the rescission? Take our confidential survey:
american.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
american.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
"Martin Perlich was a world-class interviewer whose passion for music and conversation illuminated the lives of countless listeners and artists." current.org/2025/11/radi...
Radio host and interviewer Martin Perlich dies at 88
Perlich was best known for his nationally syndicated series "Martin Perlich Interviews," in which he spoke with legendary figures including Leonard Bernstein, Frank Zappa and Aaron Copland.
current.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:11 PM
"Martin Perlich was a world-class interviewer whose passion for music and conversation illuminated the lives of countless listeners and artists." current.org/2025/11/radi...