Current
@current.org
News and opinion about public and nonprofit media in the U.S. https://current.org
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Send tips via Signal to @currentpubmedia.86
The lawsuit filed in a Cuyahoga County court alleges that CSU violated state law and the students’ free speech rights when it made the programming switch in October. current.org/2026/01/stud...
Students sue Cleveland State over Ideastream deal to program station
The lawsuit alleges that the university violated students’ free speech rights when it replaced student programming with a 24/7 jazz stream.
current.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The lawsuit filed in a Cuyahoga County court alleges that CSU violated state law and the students’ free speech rights when it made the programming switch in October. current.org/2026/01/stud...
After the loss of federal funding, how can public media position itself for a successful 2026 amid ongoing uncertainty and change? Join us for our next webinar Thursday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. Presented with Public Media Innovators. uwmadison.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Innovate with Current: The Future of Public Media (2026). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join Public Media Innovators and Current for our second annual conversation about what the year ahead holds for public media. Suffice to say, 2025 didn’t go the way many of us hoped. So, now what? How...
uwmadison.zoom.us
January 12, 2026 at 7:57 PM
After the loss of federal funding, how can public media position itself for a successful 2026 amid ongoing uncertainty and change? Join us for our next webinar Thursday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. Presented with Public Media Innovators. uwmadison.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Current
I curate the history series at public media's trade journal Current. We're looking for pieces on the history of NPR, PBS and its affiliates, with some space to imagine public media's future. We accept academic articles repurposed for wide readership. Plus, we pay. Please circulate!
Rewind: The Roots of Public Media
This series features scholars of media history looking back at both familiar and lesser-known chapters in public broadcasting’s evolution. “Rewind” is presented in partnership with the Radio Preservat...
current.org
January 11, 2026 at 9:42 PM
I curate the history series at public media's trade journal Current. We're looking for pieces on the history of NPR, PBS and its affiliates, with some space to imagine public media's future. We accept academic articles repurposed for wide readership. Plus, we pay. Please circulate!
"NPR’s audience remains older and whiter than the country in general," writes @cchavez4.bsky.social. "Unless the network pivots, it will be further out of touch with the public it purports to serve." current.org/2026/01/opin...
Opinion: Lessons from NPR’s past efforts to reach minority listeners
Rather than working to maintain the status quo, this could be the moment for NPR to reimagine its mission by broadening its listener base beyond an elite few.
current.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM
"NPR’s audience remains older and whiter than the country in general," writes @cchavez4.bsky.social. "Unless the network pivots, it will be further out of touch with the public it purports to serve." current.org/2026/01/opin...
Arkansas TV “acted based on the plain language of the bylaws with the affirmation of PBS’s legal counsel,” said CEO Carlton Wing. current.org/2026/01/arka...
Arkansas TV, PBS dispute accounts of decision to end membership
Correspondence shared with Current reveals conflicting accounts over notice requirements and whether the decision blindsided PBS.
current.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Arkansas TV “acted based on the plain language of the bylaws with the affirmation of PBS’s legal counsel,” said CEO Carlton Wing. current.org/2026/01/arka...
"Disaffiliating from PBS should have been an absolute last resort when all other options had failed." (Via @arkansasadvocate.com) current.org/2026/01/comm...
Opinion: Disaffiliating Arkansas’ public TV network from PBS is an ideological move
Arkansas’ Republican congressional delegation voted to put Arkansas PBS’ head on the chopping block. The network's leaders have now wielded the axe.
current.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:07 PM
"Disaffiliating from PBS should have been an absolute last resort when all other options had failed." (Via @arkansasadvocate.com) current.org/2026/01/comm...
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...
Reposted by Current
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-...
Reposted by Current
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...
Reposted by Current
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-...