NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
A WORD FROM OUR CEO, JACK GIBSON
Since 1959, AZPM has been Southern Arizona’s trusted source for stories, information, and inspiration, thanks to dedicated members and supporters like you.
In this issue of The Exchange, you’ll read about the premiere of The American Revolution, Ken Burns’ powerful new documentary series that brings history to life with remarkable storytelling.
You’ll also discover favorite local highlights, including Arizona Illustrated, which showcases the people and places that shape our region; The Press Room, where Steve Goldstein hosts timely conversations with Arizona journalists; and the return of AZPM PBS Kids Day on November 8 at the Children’s Museum Tucson, a fun-filled event for the whole family.
While we celebrate these programs, we also face a loss of $1.6 million in federal funding that supported our service to Southern Arizona. Your ongoing generosity is more important than ever.
Thank you for standing with AZPM and ensuring it continues to thrive for decades to come.
Every contribution makes a difference.
The American Revolution
Forging a Nation
Ken Burns is back with The American Revolution, a six-part, 12-hour documentary exploring the chaos, courage, and contradictions of a war that not only forged a nation, but reshaped the globe.
This compelling documentary explores the creation of the United States through the eyes of the people who lived it: not just generals and founders, but young soldiers, Native American warriors, free and enslaved African Americans, refugees, Loyalists, and ordinary people caught in the crossfire.
Directed by Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, The American Revolution asks the hard questions and doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. It looks at how the ideals of freedom and equality could coexist with injustice and exclusion, and how that tension birthed a new nation. More than a history lesson, The American Revolution is a chance to better understand how the struggles of the past still echo in our lives today.
Premieres Sunday, November 16, at 8 p.m., and airs for six consecutive nights through Friday, November 21. Watch live or stream at The American Revolution | AZPM.
The Press Room
Join veteran journalist Steve Goldstein every Friday for The Press Room, a weekly roundtable news program that brings together trusted, experienced reporters from across Arizona. Each episode dives deep into the week’s top headlines, offering thoughtful analysis and local perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.
You can listen at 8:30 a.m. on NPR 89.1, or catch the evening broadcast at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and NPR 89.1. Prefer to stream? Watch on YouTube or stream at The Press Room | AZPM.
I believe in the mission of PBS and want to see it continue.
— Cathy, Oro Valley
A More Perfect Union: Inspiring Civic & Civil Conversations Across America
United Through Conversation
A More Perfect Union: Inspiring Civic & Civil Conversations Across America is a one-hour PBS special that explores the enduring meaning of America’s founding ideals — liberty, democracy, and equality — 250 years later.
Filmed at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the program features a thought-provoking conversation with Ken Burns and other leading thinkers.
At a time of deep national division, A More Perfect Union invites viewers to reimagine civic discourse through respectful dialogue rooted in the principles that shaped our nation. Discover how the American idea continues to influence our democracy and how each of us can help build a more perfect union for generations to come.
Airs Monday, November 24, at 9 p.m. Watch live or stream at A More Pefect Union | AZPM.
Arizona Illustrated
As Arizona Illustrated celebrates its 45th season, it continues to engage Southern Arizona viewers with thought-provoking, diverse stories that reflect our vibrant community. Through stunning photography and powerful storytelling, host Tom McNamara introduces the people who make Arizona unique.
This November, Arizona Illustrated will launch a four-part investigative series in partnership with Arizona Luminaria. The series examines life in mobile and manufactured homes in Southern Arizona, where nearly one in 10 Pima County residents live — one of the highest ratios in the nation. Episodes will spotlight urgent issues including excessive heat and heat-related deaths, price gouging, and unfair rental practices in mobile home parks. A companion podcast will also run alongside the multi-week series, offering deeper insight into the challenges shaping our region.
Catch Arizona Illustrated on PBS 6, Saturdays and Sundays, at 6:30 p.m., and explore more about both shows on our website at Arizona Illustrated | AZPM.
Arizona Illustrated
Thank you, AZPM, for the fantastic programming that reflects America and Southern Arizona.
— Joel, Phoenix
Love and Valor
MASTERPIECE: The Great Escaper is a touching drama inspired by the remarkable true story of Bernard Jordan, a World War II veteran who slipped away from his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Played with quiet strength by Michael Caine, Bernie’s trip is a mission of memory, love, and resilience. While Bernie travels across the Channel to honor his fallen comrades, his wife, Irene, portrayed by the late Glenda Jackson, reflects on their decades together and the enduring love that began during the chaos of war.
Don’t miss this moving portrait of courage in one soldier’s twilight years presented with warmth, humor, and a poignant reminder that some promises are never forgotten.
Premieres Sunday, November 23, at 8 p.m. on PBS 6. Watch live or stream at Masterpiece | AZPM.
I watch PBS almost exclusively. It’s a lovely part of my life.
— Rebecca, Tucson
Honoring Our Heroes
This Veterans Day, AZPM honors the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes with Salute to Service: A Veterans Day Celebration.
This one-hour musical special blends powerful storytelling with stirring performances to recognize the courage, dedication, and resilience of America’s veterans past and present.
Featuring the United States Army Field Band and a dynamic lineup of musical guests, Salute to Service highlights the enduring spirit of those who have served. Whether you tune in for the music, the personal stories, or a moment of reflection, this program offers an unforgettable evening.
Airs Monday, November 10, at 9 p.m. on PBS 6. Watch live or stream at Salute to Service | AZPM.
Salute to Service: A Veterans Day Celebration
NATURE: My Life as a Turkey
Into the Flock
What happens when a man becomes a mother to wild turkeys? In NATURE: My Life as a Turkey, naturalist Joe Hutto takes on the extraordinary role of raising 16 wild turkey chicks from hatchlings to adulthood. In the wilds of Florida’s Flatlands, Hutto roosted with them, foraged with them, and protected them as their devoted guardian.
Along the way, he discovered their surprising curiosity, intelligence, and unique ways of seeing the world. Based on his remarkable true story, this moving film captures an unforgettable journey of connection between one man and the wild creatures who changed his life.
Airs Wednesday, November 26, at 7 p.m. Watch live or stream at NATURE | AZPM.
Choice and Dignity
Independent Lens: Life After is a deeply personal and eye-opening film from disabled filmmaker Reid Davenport. He explores a subject many avoid: assisted dying. This is a powerful examination of how society, policy, and prejudice shape the way disabled people experience life and autonomy.
Davenport does not shy away from the emotional weight of the topic, but what makes this film so compelling is its clarity, compassion, and refusal to offer easy answers.
Airs Monday, November 3, at 11 p.m. on PBS 6. Watch live or stream at Independent Lens | AZPM.
Stand with AZPM – for Generations to Come
Your monthly, tax-deductible sustaining gift powers the stories, journalism, and educational programs that connect and inspire Southern Arizona. With federal funding now eliminated, ongoing support from members like you is the only way to protect the future of public media for today, tomorrow, and the generations who will follow. To give today, visit azpm.org/exchange, or call (520) 621-1600.
PBS Kids Day at Children’s Museum Tucson with AZPM
Join AZPM and PBS Kids Saturday, November 8, at the Children’s Museum Tucson for AZPM PBS Kids Day! The family-fun event will feature guest appearances from popular PBS Kids characters, exciting interactive exhibits, fun learning activities, prizes, giveaways, and more.
Go to community.azpm.org for more upcoming events.
Your Legacy, AZPM’s Future
Make a lasting impact by including Arizona Public Media in your will, trust, life insurance, or retirement plan. Your legacy will help ensure future generations benefit from the trusted news and inspiring programs you value today.
You can also support AZPM through your IRA or Donor Advised Fund (DAF). If you’re 70½ or older, a tax-free gift from your IRA (QCD) can satisfy your required minimum distribution. Or recommend a grant from your DAF to continue strengthening AZPM’s mission.
To learn more about how you can help AZPM remain strong for years to come, please contact Senior Director of Development Enrique Aldana at (520) 621-3808 or [email protected]. In appreciation, you’ll receive your free copy of Your Legacy Written in the Stars.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Amplify your ongoing financial support to AZPM by making a special contribution that goes above and beyond your membership.
Your tax-deductible support ensures that AZPM can continue to be your source for news and entertainment now and in the months to come.
To ensure the future of television, radio, digital media, and educational services that change lives for the better, we need the ongoing support of members like you. One-time membership fees aren’t nearly enough to cover the rising costs of providing quality public media in Southern Arizona — we rely on additional gifts from caring friends like you.
To give today, simply click the “Donate Today” button to send your gift. If you prefer, you can also visit azpm.org/exchange to give online, or call (520) 621-1600.