Preview: PBS’ Digital Evolution

Paula Kerger headshot
Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS

PBS has spent the past 40 years cultivating the highest standards in television programming and developing its sterling reputation. How does an organization with that kind of brand evolve and adjust to a rapidly changing media landscape while maintaining its core identity and dedication to quality programming?

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger will explore the answer in her SXSW Interactive featured session, PBS’ Digital Evolution.

In this session, she will give a high level discussion of the strategies behind the innovative programming PBS has offered since she took the helm in March 2006.

Kerger will also show examples of programming that integrates broadcast and digital platforms, including PBS’ extensive catalog of integrated children’s programming and digital content. She will also discuss Makers: Women Who Make America. Makers is both a documentary film and multimedia storytelling project.

Idea Channel writer and host Mike Rugnetta, whom Kerger called her “personal hero,” will introduce her at the session. Idea Channel is a weekly Web series that examines relationships between pop culture, technology and art.

Kerger said this session is for content creators, educators or anyone trying to manage cultural shifts within an established organization. She hopes attendees will get a sense of how PBS cotinues to be a “pioneering organization” and that they will see some examples of content and innovation they may not expect from public broadcasting, she said.

PBS has offered outstanding SXSW Interactive sessions in years past, but this will be Kerger’s first time at the conference. She will present at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, in the Austin Convention Center.

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