Here’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided text, focusing on the new PBS shows and the context surrounding their launch:
New PBS Shows:
* “Horizons from PBS news”: Focuses on science, health, and technology. Hosted by William Brangham.
* “Compass Points from PBS News”: Covers culture, the arts, and current affairs. Hosted by Nsikan akpan.
* Air Time: Both shows will air on PBS stations on Saturdays and Sundays at 6:00 p.m. ET.
* Availability: They will also be available online and as podcasts.
Context – Why these shows are launching:
* Cancellation of “PBS News Weekend”: The new shows are filling the time slot left vacant by the cancellation of “PBS News Weekend” earlier this month.
* Financial Hardship: the cancellation and the launch of these new shows are a direct result of notable financial challenges facing public media.
* Funding Cuts: Congress decided to rescind $1.1 billion in allocated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in July 2025.
* CPB Dissolution: The CPB board voted to dissolve the institution due to lack of federal funding and “sustained political attacks.” The CPB was established by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 to support public media.
* Political Opposition: Figures like Donald Trump have consistently opposed funding for the CPB, NPR, and PBS, questioning their objectivity.
