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MARCH/APRIL 2024

A WORD FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER, DEANNA MACKEY

We are at a crossroads in our democracy. Research shows a decrease in trust in our systems of government and a growing lack of civil dialogue. I believe KPBS is uniquely situated to address the growing divisiveness in our region and the need for civic literacy, identity and engagement. We can provide space for people to have their voice heard, participate in the democratic process, and engage in topics—even the hard ones that divide us—in order to move forward as a democracy with dignity and respect.

Throughout the year and continuing on to the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding on July 4, 2026, KPBS will focus on content and events that inspire involvement in the democratic process. We will have comprehensive election coverage, analysis of the state of our democracy and the impact of policies on individuals and communities and partnerships with organizations for events that facilitate dialogue and understanding of differing perspectives.

To start, I invite you to visit our Voter Hub for information and resources related to the 2024 election. We have a comprehensive ballot guide that contains all the information you need to make informed choices. You will find it at kpbs.org/voterhub. I look forward to updating you on our democracy initiative throughout the year and beyond. Thank you for being part of KPBS!

Every contribution makes a difference.

 

One Man’s Influence on a Country’s Politics

Since the 1950s, modern American Conservatism has been heavily influenced by the work of William F. Buckley Jr. As the founder of the National Review and longtime host of Firing Line, Buckley was one of the biggest forces in public affairs and politics in the United States.

Tune in to “American Masters” to watch “William F. Buckley Jr.,” a documentary detailing Buckley’s distinguished career, his contributions to the political discourse in America and his effect on generations of political leaders.

Airs Monday, April 8, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS App.

Shaping Tomorrow: A Visionary Series with Ari Wallach

“A Brief History of the Future” is dedicated to changing the popular narrative that the future is beyond repair.

Hosted by futurist Ari Wallach, the show demonstrates to viewers that the power to create a better future is in their own hands.

The six-part program features in-depth analyses of potential solutions to current problems, insights from some of today’s most well-known thought leaders and investigations into what the intersection of history and science can teach us about the upcoming years.

In each episode, Wallach travels to find the path forward, introducing viewers to the people working to put this vision into action. With this series, you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible.

Airs Wednesdays, April 3–May 8, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream with the PBS App.

 
 

Explore Earth’s Fragile Beauty with ‘Changing Planet’

Keep Earth Day celebrations going this April with “Changing Planet,” a program that shines a spotlight on six of the world’s most vulnerable environments and the people trying to protect them.

Along with host Dr. M. Sanjayan, viewers learn about the various ways climate change is impacting these landscapes, people, animals and more all over Earth. Dr. Sanjayan also shares the new, innovative technology and procedures humans can use to combat climate change. You’re sure to finish watching with a newfound appreciation for our planet and a desire to create positive change.

Premieres Wednesday, April 24, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream with the PBS App.

Exciting Dramas Are Coming to KPBS This Spring

Stardom, grief and murder. “MASTERPIECE” has it all.

“Nolly”

“Nolly,” a new miniseries, delves into the famous career and firing of British TV star Noele “Nolly” Gordon—and the ultimate adventure she embarked on afterward.

“Nolly” premieres Sunday, March 17, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.

“MaryLand”

In “MaryLand,” a mother’s untimely death brings two sisters together. What unfolds is an unexpected tale of grief, secrets, love and the special bond between sisters.

“MaryLand” premieres Sunday, May 5, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.

“The Marlow Murder Club”

“The Marlow Murder Club,” an adaptation of Robert Thorogood’s novel, follows a trio of amateur female sleuths determined to solve the case of a murdered neighbor in the sleepy town of Marlow.

“The Marlow Murder Club” premieres in the fall on KPBS-TV.

Watch these programs live or stream with the PBS App.

‘Independent Lens’ Brings Powerful Untold Stories

“Greener Pastures,” created by Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian and Ian Robertson Kibbe, takes place in the Midwest and details the buried mental health struggles of farmers in America.

In “A Thousand Pines,” directed by Sebastián Díaz Aguirre and Noam Osband, viewers follow along as Oaxacan guest workers plant trees throughout America’s forests.

“Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s” exhibits the stories of three different people living their lives fearlessly while battling Parkinson’s disease.

Watch these fascinating stories of strength, struggle and success.

“Greener Pastures” premieres Monday, March 25, at 10:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“A Thousand Pines” premieres Monday, April 1, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV. “Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s” premieres Tuesday, April 9, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch these programs live or stream with the PBS App.

 

‘Call the Midwife’ Returns

Everyone’s favorite midwives are returning for another season!

The heartwarming series has brought plenty of changes to the midwives of Poplar and Season 13 is no different, being set during a year of serious upheaval in Britain and around the world: 1969.

With babies increasingly being born in hospitals, Poplar is handling it better than most thanks to Nonnatus House’s efforts and the growing trend of home births conducted under the Sisters’ supervision. As 1969 unfolds, a variety of challenges rock the world of our beloved nuns. We see them struggle with life’s eternal questions: Who are we? What is love? And where do we belong?

Airs Sundays, beginning March 17, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream with the PBS App.

Immigration, Disability and Mental Health Cross Paths

“POV: unseen” is the compelling tale of Pedro, a blind undocumented immigrant in the United States.

Over the course of the 90-minute film, Pedro works to get a college degree, become employed as a social worker and support his family.

His story—and the manner in which it is told—highlights the connections between immigration, disability and mental health.

A powerful story of resilience and healing. “POV: unseen” shares an important story, and makes the cinema more accessible for audiences with vision loss through experimental sound design and cinematography.

Airs Monday, March 18, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream with the PBS App.

 
 

Celebrate the Transformative Power of the Arts

Accompany the multitalented performer DulĂ© Hill on a cross-country tour to meet local activists, visionaries and changemakers who are using their artistic passions to forge deeper connections and meaningful changes in their communities. “The Express Way With DulĂ© Hill” makes stops in California, Chicago, Texas and the Appalachian region.

Join comedian, writer and actor John Lithgow and be transported back to your school days in “Art Happens Here With John Lithgow.” Through his involvement in singing in a jazz ensemble, silk-screen printing, dance and ceramics, Lithgow shares his passion for the arts with educators and students at four Los Angeles-based organizations.

These programs showcase the inspiration and passion inside us all.

“The Express Way with DulĂ© Hill” airs Tuesdays, beginning April 23 through May 14, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Art Happens Here With John Lithgow” airs Friday, April 26, at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 and Monday, April 29, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch these programs live or stream with the PBS App.

Stream your favorite PBS shows, create your perfect watchlist, connect with KPBS and more—anywhere you watch on the free PBS App. As a member, enjoy unlimited access to full seasons of your favorites like dramas on “MASTERPIECE,” Ken Burns documentaries and more. Take advantage of this exclusive member benefit today.

Discover San Diego

For more than three decades, “Ken Kramer’s About San Diego” has presented a collection of stories about the history and people of the area we call home.

This Emmy-winning program features a medley of narratives across San Diego County; many of the stories often touch on little-known historical details and their relevance to places we visit on a daily basis.

Join host Ken Kramer, a fourth-generation native of California, for five all-new episodes that explore the unique locations and distinctive tales that characterize our region.

On April 1, the first episode of “Ken Kramer’s About San Diego” will be released exclusively with KPBS Passport. Following this, KPBS-TV will air the broadcast premiere on Thursday, April 11. The next four episodes will be premiering the second Thursday of every month.

Available April 1, exclusively with KPBS Passport.
Broadcast premiere, Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS App.

 

Mark Your Ballot—But First, Consult the KPBS Voter Hub

The primary election is coming up on March 5. Do you know who you’re voting for? The KPBS Voter Hub is back to help you make an informed decision.

Read explainers on local races, interviews with candidates and guides on voting. Plus, find out when and where you can cast your ballot and submit your election questions to help us cover what matters. The Voter Hub has content in both English and Spanish.

With the KPBS Voter Hub, you can:

  • Research everything on your personalized ballot
  • Check your voter registration status
  • Find vote centers and ballot drop-off locations
  • Get the latest election news and updates
  • Check election results

Check out the KPBS Voter Hub at kpbs.org/voterhub.

Important dates

Jan. 25: Voter information pamphlets go out to registered voters

Feb 3: Ballots go out to registered voters

Feb 5: Early voting begins at the registrar’s office: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb 6: Official ballot drop boxes open through March 5

Feb. 20: Voter registration deadline. (You can still conditionally register and vote by visiting the registrar’s office or any vote center through March 5.)

Feb. 24: Select vote centers and the registrar’s office open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 4

March 2: All vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 4

March 5: Last day to vote! All vote centers, ballot drop boxes, and the Registrar’s office are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 4: Deadline to certify the election

Source: San Diego Registrar of Voters

Sponsor Message

Flowers and Art Mingle at The San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive

See flowers as art and art as flowers this April 25-28 at Art Alive, the annual floral exhibition at The San Diego Museum of Art. Enjoy nearly 100 floral arrangements interpreting works of art throughout the Museum. These masterful creations by regional floral designers invite comparisons of shape, form and color and are the heart of Art Alive.

Relish the splendor of spring throughout Art Alive weekend with a large-scale floral showcase in the Museum rotunda; floral designs displayed alongside original works of art from across the globe; limited-time art installations; and four days of stunning events and activities, including a black-tie premiere dinner, a two-day garden of activities for artists of all ages and Bloom Bash, the 21-plus celebration that kicks off Art Alive weekend.

Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature fundraiser providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach and public programs. With the support of generous corporate sponsors, individual donors, charitable foundations and volunteers, Art Alive helps provide free admission and education programs throughout the year. sdmart.org

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