The New NewsHour
How does the new PBS NewsHour fit into what
you and Robert MacNeil originally envisioned?
The goal of "MacNeil Lehrer journalism" has always been
to give our audience the news beyond the headlines -- more in-depth reporting,
thought-provoking analysis, engaging newsmaker interviews, and more international
news.
We plan to continue that mission, only expand it. Originally, the program was
created to supplement the evening network news programs. Now, each week night
we will be a key on-air and online destination for a deeper dive into the most
important news of the day presented in a thoughtful and objective way. Our
goal is to be the source for the best journalism available anywhere,
anytime – on line, on air, morning, noon or night.
So, why change? And why change now?
The explosive growth of cable news, the Internet, and a 24-hour news
cycle has led to huge changes in the media industry. Newspapers are going out
of business, blogs and talks shows proliferate. Serious news is on the decline.
Our change is a coordinated response from The NewsHour and PBS to
lead the way in providing Americans with the serious news and information they
need. We have both an opportunity and an obligation to respond.
The new program title reflects our expanded mission -- to be the hub of public
affairs programming on PBS. In addition to our own reporting, the PBS NewsHour will
showcase the best reporting in public television both online and on air.
What will viewers see that's different?
Our correspondents will be more prominent. Each night one of them
will co-anchor the program with me. They will also report more, especially
from the field.
Plus, we will introduce a new member of the team who will deliver the daily
news headlines on the PBS NewsHour broadcast and provide
online news updates throughout the day. This correspondent is just one example
of our attempt to create a seamless connection between the website and the
broadcast.
By taking greater advantage of the Online NewsHour website, we will
be more responsive and more versatile. You know, we're fortunate to have a
really talented team of journalists. They have a wealth of knowledge and skills.
Our expanded operation means viewers will be able to see more of what they
have to offer.
What are your thoughts on new media and technology?
The NewsHour has been available via podcast and on Facebook
and Twitter for some time now. But in the end, technology is just a tool to
deliver stories. I don't care if you get your news on TV or on a pink iPod,
it's the information and the story that matters and it's important that information
comes from a source you can trust.
How does the PBS NewsHour fit into the current
media environment?
Ironically, by adamantly adhering to our principles, we've become
more distinct. Now more than ever, PBS NewsHour is needed as a trusted,
independent source of news and civil discourse.
What do you hope to offer new PBS NewsHour viewers?
Website visitors?
In addition to the work of our own talented team of journalists, The PBS
NewsHour will feature reporting from PBS's many award winning public affairs
programs like Frontline and NOVA, as well as reporters from
local PBS stations around the country. The PBS NewsHour is also collaborating
with other trusted media partners: NPR, Climate Central, Global Post, and Time magazine
just to name a few.
The Online NewsHour will have many new features. I mentioned the video
news summary. We're also going to offer viewers more insight into our editorial
thinking. Our daily news blog will include discussion of how we plan to cover
the top stories that night on the broadcast. And when our correspondents are
out in the field, they'll post video dispatches online, again, to constantly
update viewers on the stories they are following, as they happen.
What are you doing outside of the PBS NewsHour?
I love to write, it's what got me into the news business. But my writing
is not limited to news. I also enjoy fiction and make it a habit to write every
morning. My 20th novel is due to be published this coming April.
