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JULY/AUGUST 2022

A WORD FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER, DEANNA MACKEY

I am honored to be joining KPBS as its new general manager. My history with KPBS began years ago as a magazine student assistant. The station was a much smaller organization when I left in 1987 to become editor of “The Daily Aztec,” SDSU’s student newspaper, and later worked in commercial journalism. Even then, I knew KPBS was a unique place that valued innovation and its people. As a student, the staff had a going away party for me and presented me with a briefcase—a symbol of their support and belief in my success.

In 1990 I returned to KPBS, serving in many roles and leaving in 2015 as station manager/COO. As the most recent president of the Public Television Major Market Group, I had the privilege to work with 40 public media stations, and I was continually reminded that KPBS is a station that excels in its forward-thinking attitude and creativity. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your aspirations for the station and learning how we can better serve and represent the stories of our diverse communities.

I am so proud of what the team at KPBS has accomplished, and I am fortunate to return to lead this organization. Thank you for being part of KPBS’ past, present and future.

Every contribution makes a difference.

“A Capitol Fourth” Photo: Keith Lamond

A Star-Spangled Red, White and Blue Party

Celebrate Independence Day with KPBS this Fourth of July.

KPBS viewers and American troops stationed around the world will experience a front-and-center seat to glittering fireworks over Washington, D.C.’s iconic skyline.

Join us for the 42nd annual Independence Day celebration and concert, with performances by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of pops conductor Jack Everly and top artists from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway music.

“A Capitol Fourth” airs Monday, July 4, at 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV.

“KPBS Arts”

The arts provide a lens through which we can view what makes us unique.

From singers to sculptors, painters to photographers and everything in between, explore creativity and expression on “KPBS Arts.”

Join KPBS for a new season of “KPBS Arts.” Hosted by artist and educator William “BJ” Robinson, this weekly arts magazine show features the best works from artists and performers in San Diego and around the country.

Watch live Friday nights at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2, Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV and streaming in the PBS Video app.

“The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family”

Anne Boleyn—Beloved, Betrayed, Beheaded

In an epic three-part series, audiences will be enraptured with a story of love, sex and betrayal. “The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family” shares the story of Anne Boleyn’s rise from obscurity to being crowned Queen of England.

Witness the dangerous games of power played by this fascinating family dynasty. Each episode uncovers new intrigues, scandals and treachery of the Tudor court.

Premieres Sunday, August 28, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.

Here’s What’s Happening on “MASTERPIECE” this Summer

Fans of “MASTERPIECE,” gather around. This summer will be filled with new excitement, including marriages, murders and mysteries.

“Grantchester”

First up: The season seven premiere of “Grantchester” with new perplexing cases to investigate. Set in the summer of 1959, just prior to the Swinging Sixties, murders and mayhem abound.

While DI Geordie Keating and Reverend Will Davenport join forces to solve crimes, they both experience a bit of turmoil in their personal lives.

“Grantchester” premieres Sunday, July 10, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app. Seasons 1-6 of “Grantchester” are streaming with KPBS Passport.

“Guilt”

Next, check out season two of “Guilt” to catch up with the McCall brothers, Max and Jake.

While Jake resides in Chicago, Max attempts to put his life back together after two years in prison. Unable to return to his old job, he finds himself working for private detective and recovering alcoholic Kenny Burns.

Max’s circle widens with new arrival Erin Phyllis Logan, who experiences a life-altering moment when an intruder breaks into her home.

“Guilt” premieres Sunday, August 28, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream with the PBS Video app.

Building on Trust—The Campaign for KPBS

For more than 60 years, taking care of each other and celebrating community have been central to KPBS’ work.

In 2020 when the pandemic hit and our staff packed up to work from home, we also packed up the station as we embarked on a construction project that was years in the making. In fact, we’ve been quietly fundraising since 2017. Called “Building on Trust,” this comprehensive campaign represents the next steps KPBS must take to ensure a strong and viable future by remodeling our outdated building, updating our technology and creating a sustainability fund to set KPBS up for success in the decades to come.

Completion of the project is just around the corner and our excitement can’t be contained much longer. This beautiful new space represents KPBS’ public service mission in a modern, light-filled and transparent space with a community engagement area taking center stage where all are welcome.

We invite you to learn more by visiting campaign.kpbs.org where you can take a virtual tour and read about this transformational project.

“America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston” Photo: PBS

Explore America’s Outdoors

“America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston” is a new six-part travel and adventure series hosted by New York Times bestselling author, podcast creator and outdoor enthusiast Baratunde Thurston. Each episode explores a different U.S. region and how Americans work, play and interact in their natural environments.

In the course of meeting a marathoner who runs in the brutal heat of Death Valley, coal miners who become beekeepers in Appalachia and Black surfers who catch waves near Los Angeles, Thurston introduces viewers to unique ways of being in nature.

Premieres Tuesday, July 5, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.

Discover Earth’s Biodiversity with Sir David Attenborough

From deserts to mountains … from rainforests to the frozen north … Sir David Attenborough takes audiences on a magical journey revealing the incredible beauty of Earth’s ecosystems in “The Green Planet.”

As he travels the globe, Sir David finds trees that care for each other, plants that hunt animals, and foliage that reproduces so quickly it could cover the planet in a few short months if permitted. He also uncovers seeds that can outlive civilizations and plants that remain unchanged for decades.

By examining our relationship with plants, “The Green Planet” reveals how all animal life, including ours, is completely reliant on them.

Premieres Wednesday, July 6, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.

Sir David Attenborough

“The Great Muslim American Road Trip” Photo: Adam McCall

“The Great Muslim American Road Trip”

Travel along Historic Route 66 with Mona Haydar and her husband Sebastian Robins—a millennial Muslim American couple on—”The Great Muslim American Road Trip.”

After gaining international attention in 2015 for their Ask a Muslim project—a booth offering free donuts in exchange for open dialogue in the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino extremist attacks—the pair decides to embark on a cross-country trip exploring what it means to be Muslim in the United States.

With more than a dozen stops between Chicago and Los Angeles, this three-part documentary highlights conversations with authors, entrepreneurs and students to better understand how Muslims have contributed to science, medicine, spirituality, art and culture.

Premieres Tuesday, July 5, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.

“COBRA: Cyberwar”

Follow the British Prime Minister and Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA)—a team of strategic planners and politicians—as they navigate a major national crisis. Season two finds Britain in trouble following years of political instability and fractured relationships with world superpowers. As an invisible threat looms, the government finds itself forming new alliances and facing global enemies. What would you be willing to sacrifice for the survival of your country? Tune in to all-new episodes of “COBRA: Cyberwar.”

Airs Sunday, July 10, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.

“COBRA: Cyberwar” Photo: Courtesy of © 2021 New Pictures Ltd.

“Expedition with Steve Backshall” Photo: Courtesy of True to Nature Ltd.

“Expedition with Steve Backshall”

Naturalist Steve Backshall continues his quest to discover the unexplored places and incredible wildlife inhabiting the globe. Backshall assembles a team of experts to join him on this venture into the unknown, uncovering the natural wonders of diving with sharks in Mexico’s Eastern Pacific, exploring the uncharted volcanic underworld of Saudi Arabia’s ancient deserts and climbing the Djangart mountains of Kyrgyzstan in search of endangered snow leopards. Each adventure shines a light on the secrets of these landscapes along with the challenges and urgency to protect this rapidly changing planet.

Premieres Wednesdays, beginning July 6, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.

“CONNECTED: A Search for Unity”

Traveling the continent in a single-engine plane, Monty Moran, father, lawyer and former CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, is on a mission to highlight individuals from different backgrounds united in their common struggle to find meaning and purpose in everyday life. Season two of “CONNECTED: A Search for Unity” demonstrates the immense challenges facing our society and imagines a world full of possibility, opportunity and empowerment. Moran shares a vision where a culture of compassion and understanding can flourish through the common thread of humanity.

Airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. beginning July 5 on KPBS-TV.

:Connected: A Search for Unity” Photo: APT

“PBS Short Film Festival 2022”

Join the annual celebration exploring a variety of powerful independent films inspiring audiences through originality and creativity. The “PBS Short Film Festival” was designed to increase the visibility of independent filmmakers showcasing the untold stories of America. Each year the festival strives to highlight films that are sure to captivate audiences with themes featuring diversity, equality, culture and so much more.

Available to stream with the PBS Video app July 11-22.

Sponsor Message

Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is the largest children’s hospital on the West Coast, one of the nation’s top pediatric health care systems and is leading the way in whole child health for children and adolescents in Southern California and beyond. Confronting the escalating pediatric mental health crisis, Rady Children’s is transforming mental health across the care continuum:

  • Early activation—prevention, early identification and intervention
  • Academic foundation—evidence-based treatment, such as trauma-informed counseling, education and cutting-edge research
  • Integration—mental health therapists embedded in the pediatric primary care offices with regional referral hubs
  • Crisis treatment—Copley Psychiatric Emergency Department and behavioral health urgent care facilities

As a nonprofit that relies on donations to support its mission, Rady Children’s has devoted decades developing best-in-class facilities and programs treating children and families facing mental health challenges, trauma or abuse. Through legacy and leadership, Rady Children’s is helping shape the pediatric landscape on its bold quest to ensure every child realizes their full potential. For more information, visit rchsd.org.

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KPBS channel info—television
KPBS TV—15, Cox 1011, Spectrum 1221
KPBS 2—15.2, Cox 811, Spectrum 1277
KPBS Create—15.3, Cox 816, Spectrum 1275
KPBS Kids—15.4, Cox 809, Spectrum 1276

KPBS channel info—HD radio
KPBS Radio—89.5 HD1, Calexico 97.7 FM
Classical San Diego—89.5 HD2

Another Way to Give!

Your donated car, truck, SUV, RV, or watercraft can be turned into proceeds that allow KPBS to continue bringing you exceptional content on TV, radio and digital platforms. Your gift may also qualify for a tax deduction.

Call 877-572-7227 or complete the online donation form at kpbs.org/car to find out more information or to schedule a pickup.