WNET to Launch a Multi-Year Multi-Platform Initiative on the Issues Surrounding Poverty in America

Initiative includes a portfolio of national and regional programming across all public media platforms beginning Saturday, October 18th

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WNET

Oct 17, 2014, 03:30 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To bring insight and context to the complicated issue of poverty—from all points of view—WNET, parent company of New York's public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, will launch an innovative, multi-platform, coordinated public media initiative that aims to provide perspective on its history, politics and economics.

The unique components of this unprecedented portfolio of national and regional programming will include original reporting for the PBS NewsHour Weekend; one or more nationally distributed documentaries; and a full range of programming across the multiple platforms of WNET, THIRTEEN, WLIW21, and NJTV, including NJTV News, MetroFocus, and a live town hall style forum across all stations.

Additionally, a key component of the initiative will be provided by WNET's award-winning digital team, creating a web presence that will aggregate news, original reporting and first-person "video diaries" of those who struggle with poverty and those who work to alleviate it, along with a social media effort that will seek to create dialogue and community. The first original report for the initiative, "Promise Zones", will air on PBS NewsHour Weekend this Saturday, October 18^th(check local listings).

"Over the last fifty years, there have been victories and defeats in the struggle to provide opportunities for all Americans. Income disparity has grown and the path from poverty to the middle class has become more difficult for many, and there are no easy answers." said Neal Shapiro, WNET's President and CEO. "We can provide no greater public service than engaging our audience locally and nationally by creating a deeper understanding of the past, and showcasing solutions for the future."

The "Promise Zones" report is produced by the PBS NewsHour Weekend. Megan Thompson is producer. Ivette Feliciano is field producer. David Kreger is editor. Marc Rosenwasser is executive producer of the PBS NewsHour Weekend.

Funding for this initiative has been provided by the JPB Foundation the Ford Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

About WNET
As New York's flagship public media provider and the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to more than 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, the multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms, including the THIRTEEN Explore iPad App where users can stream PBS content for free.