THE EXCHANGE
Spring 2022
A WORD FROM OUR CEO, JACK GIBSON
Thank you so much for being part of the Arizona Public Media family. Your support makes everything we do possible. I particularly want to thank those of you who stepped up to help with our recent spring fundraising campaign — you made a difference!
The past few years have been quite a journey, but I feel optimistic and excited about what’s to come. In fact, I have two pieces of good news to report today. Please join me in congratulating longtime AZPM reporter, producer, and host Christopher Conover on his new position as AZPM’s News Director. I can’t wait to see what innovations he brings to our news broadcasts.
In addition, I’m pleased to tell you that AZPM has received approval to proceed with plans to build a new facility so we can better serve the community. Stay tuned for more details!
On to programming … there’s something for everyone coming up in the next few months. We’re working on a new summer episode of Gavel-to-Gavel: The Arizona State Legislature podcast. And AZPM will be bringing you some incredible programming for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) in May, followed by Pride Month in June.
Get ready to celebrate our dynamic and diverse community!
Craving Drama? Masterpiece Has You Covered
Brace yourselves, fans of thriller, drama, and crime stories: Masterpiece has two exciting premieres to enjoy on Sunday nights!
Ridley Road
First up is the series premiere of Ridley Road. Inspired by true events that took place in the 1960s, the series focuses on Vivien Epstein, a highly spirited and opinionated young Jewish woman. Vivien’s love, Jack, is a member of the 1962 Group, a coalition of Jewish men set up to resist the resurgence of fascism. When Jack is caught between life and death, Vivien finds herself going undercover with the fascists — not only for him, but for the sake of her country.
Ridley Road premieres Sunday, May 1 at 9 p.m. on PBS 6.
Endeavour
Next, check out the eighth season of the critically acclaimed detective drama Endeavour. Shaun Evans reprises his role as DS Endeavour Morse, alongside Roger Allam as DCI Fred Thursday, in a new set of compelling cases written and created by Russell Lewis.
The series opens in 1971, when a death threat to Oxford Wanderers’ star striker Jack Swift places Endeavour and his team at the heart of the glitz and glamour of 1970s football, exposing the true cost of success and celebrity, and with it, a deep-rooted division that is soon reflected much closer to home.
Endeavour airs Sundays, beginning June 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS 6.
Tom McNamara
Arizona Illustrated
The Emmy Award-winning Arizona Illustrated continues its legacy of engaging Southern Arizona’s viewers with thought-provoking, diverse stories that reflect our community. Through stunning photography and powerful storytelling, host Tom McNamara takes viewers to meet the people who make Arizona unique and vibrant.
Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on PBS 6. tv.azpm.org/arizonaillustrated.about
Celebrate Music Icon Lionel Richie with AZPM
Join AZPM as Lionel Richie receives the 2022 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song! The Gershwin Prize is named for the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin and recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement.
Pop and R&B superstar Richie will be feted at an all-star musical tribute in Washington, D.C. A songwriter of the first order, Richie is known for his megahits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” and “Hello.” He also co-wrote one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” for USA for Africa. His song catalog also includes his early work with the Commodores, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady” and “Easy.”
Don’t miss this celebration of Lionel Richie.
Airs Tuesday, May 17 at 9 p.m. on PBS 6.
Pacific Heartbeat: James & Isey
Observing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and AZPM is proud to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI individuals on our country’s history, culture, and achievements.
Running the gamut from enlightening documentaries to musical showcases, the anthology series Pacific Heartbeat draws viewers into the heart, mind, and soul of Pacific Island culture.
Tune in to American Masters: Waterman-Duke: Ambassador of Aloha for a documentary about legendary Hawaii surfer Duke Kahanamoku, a swimmer, social trailblazer, and five-time Olympic medalist.
And don’t miss A Personal Matter: Gordon Hirabayashi vs The U.S. about a man who challenged the 1942 United States government order that all Japanese Americans be interned.
Pacific Heartbeat airs Saturdays, beginning May 7 at 2 p.m. on PBS 6.
American Masters: Waterman-Duke: Ambassador of Aloha airs Tuesday, May 10 at 9 p.m. followed by A Personal Matter: Gordon Hirabayashi at 10:30 p.m. on PBS 6.
AZPM Podcasts
Earlier this year, AZPM launched its first podcast, Gavel-to-Gavel, a weekly in-depth look at the state legislature and the decisions that will affect the lives of every Arizonan. radio.azpm.org/gaveltogavel
In June, the AZPM news team will launch a new podcast. Water is a finite resource in the American Southwest, though it hasn’t always been viewed as such. As states in the Colorado River Basin cut deals and their own water supplies, industries such as agriculture, housing, fire suppression, and others are figuring out how to survive on significantly less than they were built for. In six episodes, we’ll explore the past, present, and future of water usage in Southern Arizona, and how the area fits into a region struggling with drought and water disputes.
Explore the Prehistoric World of Dinosaurs with NOVA
Dinosaurs were nature’s most extraordinary reptiles, dominating the planet until they became extinct. Sixty-six million years ago, a giant asteroid slammed into Earth, ending the reign of these creatures — no dinosaur remains from that day forward have ever been found.
These two new NOVA episodes present a shocking new snapshot of how the dinosaurs died.
NOVA: Dinosaur Apocalypse: The New Evidence airs Wednesday, May 11 at 9 p.m. followed by NOVA: Dinosaur Apocalypse: The Last Day at 10 p.m. on PBS 6.
Memorial Day Concert
On the eve of Memorial Day 2022, AZPM is proud to continue a longstanding American tradition: the National Memorial Day Concert.
Over three decades, this multi-award-winning television event, presenting uplifting musical performances, documentary footage, and dramatic readings, has become an American tradition and is one of PBS’s highest-rated programs. On the broadcast, celebrities share real-life stories spanning the broad history of our nation’s military conflicts, award-winning musicians perform songs in tribute to our country’s true heroes, and the finest performers from the United States military choirs and ensembles are featured.
Airs Sunday, May 29 at 5 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. on PBS 6.
Amateur Cooks Share Their Best Dishes on The Great American Recipe
In the last few years, cooking and creating recipes has become more fun and accessible than ever. The new series The Great American Recipe celebrates talented amateur cooks and gives them the opportunity to share their beloved homemade meals with the entire country.
Cooks from around the U.S. rely on their tried-and-true signature dishes to take them to the top in this friendly (and delicious) competition. Featured on the show are celebrity chefs Leah Cohen (chef and owner of NYC’s Pig & Khao restaurant), Graham Elliot (three-time James Beard-award nominee), and Tiffany Derry (seen on Top Chef and Hungry Investors).
Coming this summer to PBS 6. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Midsomer Murders Coming this Spring to AZPM
Entering its 20th season, Midsomer Murders is an established fan favorite with audiences around the world. The classic whodunit drama series centers on Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, who is kept very busy investigating murders that are in stark contrast to the apparent idyllic nature of the county.
Secrets, scandals, and mysteries lurk beneath the tranquil surface of sleepy village life. In each episode, the peace of Midsomer is disrupted by unimaginable crimes and it is up to DC Barnaby and his team of detectives to uphold the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.
Season 20 airs with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. on Thursday nights starting April 28.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Amplify your ongoing financial support of 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 years 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.
Click here to make a gift today or call us at (520) 621-1600. Thank you for your continued support.