January/February 2024
A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, THERESA SPENCER
With a brand-new year ahead, I am excited for what 2024 has in store for NMPBS and our community.
With many years of successful public broadcasting and community bonding behind us, I look forward to making the coming years even better.
We are starting off the new year with a lively array of programs for the whole family, including new seasons of Miss Scarlet and The Duke and All Creatures Great and Small, a Henry Louis Gates Jr. documentary titled Gospel, and a new animated children’s show, Lyla in the Loop.
I can’t thank you enough for all you do as a supporter of NMPBS. This station takes pride in being a fixture of this community, and our work wouldn’t be possible without those around us.
Happy New Year to you and your family — we can’t wait to spend another year with you by our side!
We appreciate the environmental coverage provided by NMPBS’ Our Land series. — Al, Abiquiu
New Mexico in Focus features a monthly environmental series dedicated to covering state-wide ecological issues.
Our Land covers a wide range of subjects, including New Mexico’s climate change, the border wall’s effects on regional wildlife, issues with water planning, the importance of urban forests, and how to create your own backyard wildlife refuge.
The series highlights the diverse and distinctive natural environments that make up New Mexico.
Our Land has quickly expanded to become more than just a once-a-month report. Along with launching social media platforms for the show on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram over the past year, several episodes have been turned into PBS LearningMedia modules.
Tune in to meet the new host of New Mexico in Focus and catch the monthly Our Land series.
New Mexico in Focus airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 7 a.m. on Channel 5.1. Watch this program live or stream with the PBS app.
Stories of Triumph, Struggles, and Inspiration
In Racist Trees, viewers travel to Palm Springs, California, where a historic Black neighborhood wants to remove a wall of trees they believe to be a symbol of segregation.
In Razing Liberty Square, Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood is seeing an increase of residents in a display of climate gentrification.
Sister Úna Lived a Good Death features a Catholic nun with stage IV cancer taking full advantage of her time left on Earth, and teaching others to do the same.
Breaking the News details The 19th*, a women-and-LGBTQ+-founded digital news startup that aims to increase inclusivity in the media.
Independent Lens brings the incredible stories of real people right to your home.
Airs Mondays, January 22 to February 19, at 9 p.m.
Watch these programs live or stream with the PBS app.
Racist Trees
Sister Úna Lived a Good Death
The History of Gospel Comes to PBS
For many communities, gospel music is a pillar of strength and history — one that has been shared with the world as a form of self-expression and creativity, and has had an enormous influence on today’s pop music. In his upcoming program, Gospel, professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. examines the history and impact of gospel music, from within the Church to the culture and society outside of it.
A special companion concert on February 9 will premiere prior to Gospel, featuring some of the biggest artists in the genre.
Airs Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, at 8 p.m.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS app.
I am writing to let you know how much we enjoy the new version of New Mexico in Focus. The only frustration I have is that I am not on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, so I feel there is no way other than an email to make a comment. Keep up the great work at NMIF.
— Louise and John, Santa Fe
Finding Your Roots Celebrates Ten Seasons
January brings a fresh set of family trees to Finding Your Roots. In the latest installment of the hit series, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. works with new celebrity guests to discover their lineage, introduce unknown ancestors, and uncover family secrets.
This season’s guests include: Valerie Bertinelli, Kirk Douglas, Brendan Fraser, Tracy Morgan, Bob Odenkirk, Dionne Warwick, and more.
After a nationwide call on social media, this season will also feature three non-celebrity guests who have hopes of learning their complex family histories. Tune in to see why Finding Your Roots is one of PBS’s most-watched shows.
Airs Tuesday, January 2, at 8 p.m.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS app.
Brief Tender Light
Transforming Aspirations into Action
How do you harmonize your roots with your current realities?
This is the question in the upcoming POV documentary Brief Tender Light. Follow the journeys of four African students attending the elite MIT and their efforts to become agents of change. Despite their dreams being rooted in the societies they left behind, their daily lives are shaped by America. Each student refines their perceptions of the world, themselves, and eventually, how to put youthful ideals into practice as adults.
Brief Tender Light will awaken and inspire you.
Airs Monday, January 15, at 10 p.m.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS app.
Epic Animal Adventures and Close Bonds
On Season 42 of Nature, meet the tiny-but-mighty beings who battle blades of grass and drops of rain, and evade large carnivores, to survive.
Big Little Journeys is a three-part series detailing the harrowing expeditions six small creatures make to find a home or mate.
Big Little Journeys airs Wednesdays, January 10-24, at 8 p.m.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS app.
Big Little Journeys
Kick Off 2024 with a MASTERPIECE Double Feature
Your favorite programs are back for their fourth seasons! In the return of Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Eliza takes over the Nash & Sons business — a shift that has its fair share of bumps in the road. In their personal lives, Eliza and William “The Duke” Wellington face an upcoming decision that will impact their relationship.
All Creatures Great and Small takes viewers to spring 1940 at Skeldale House, where things are busier than ever. A new veterinary trainee is arriving, James and Helen are discussing starting a family, Siegfried works to hold down the household while balancing his own life, and Mrs. Hall and Helen are strengthening their friendship.
Don’t miss your chance to catch up on the excitement this January!
Miss Scarlet and The Duke premieres Sunday, January 7, at 8 p.m.
All Creatures Great and Small premieres Sunday, January 7, at 9 p.m.
Watch these programs live or stream with the PBS app.
Fun for the Whole Family
Tune in to PBS KIDS’ newest program, Lyla in the Loop! The animated series depicts the adventures of 7-year-old Lyla as she navigates life in the city.
Created for kids ages 4-8 and premiering in both English and Spanish, viewers will follow Lyla through her daily life. She encounters and solves problems of all kinds with her family, sidekick Stu, and best friend, Everett Phan.
Lyla in the Loop helps children understand different concepts such as cultural differences, recycling and sustainability, and problem-solving — all while having fun. With relatable themes and exciting plots, Lyla is sure to be a hit with families.
Premieres Monday, February 5, at 2 p.m.
Watch this program live or stream with the PBS app.
Lyla in the Loop
— Dorothy, Santa Fe
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