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For a better understanding of complex issues and subjects, turn on WGBH—on television, on radio, and on the Web.
WGBH offers multiple perspectives on the important stories of our times, from the war in Iraq to string theory to state budget cuts. Our award-winning programs never shy away from tough subjects.
"Frontline's goal is to provide context and fresh insight into controversial issues and topics that others have avoided because they seem too complex for television," says David Fanning, executive producer. In March 2003, just days before the US invaded Iraq, Frontline preceded President Bush's address to the nation with a special report on America's long history of confrontation with Saddam Hussein. The Long Road to War drew on Frontline's extensive archives and in-depth reporting on Iraq over a 12-year period. Frontline followed up with Truth, War and Consequences, examining why we went to war, what went wrong in planning for the post-war occupation, and what's now at stake. Complementing its broadcasts, Frontline's Web site offers a rich repository of additional research, including online journals from producers in the field, interview transcripts, streaming video, and more.
"Tackling the big questions, demystifying science for millions of Americans, has been Nova's mission for 30 years," says senior executive producer Paula Apsell. This season, Nova took on a subject so complex even Einstein was stumped. The Elegant Universe looked at string theory, a new set of ideas that unites the laws of the large (general relativity) and the laws of the small (quantum mechanics), breaking a conceptual logjam that has frustrated physicists for nearly a century. Hosted by physicist Brian Greene, whose best-selling book inspired the Nova miniseries, The Elegant Universe incorporated groundbreaking animation techniques to make this subject both accessible and entertaining. "No one can accuse Nova of being an unindicted co-conspirator in the dumbing down of America," enthused The Boston Globe. And Nova's Web sites and teacher's guides extend and amplify the impact of its programs, reaching students in hundreds of thousands of classrooms nationwide every year.
Because our view of the world can be colored by where we sit, WGBH, the BBC World Service, and Public Radio International joined together nine years ago to launch The World, offering public radio listeners an hour-long, non-US-centric look at international news every weeknight. With five "unembedded" correspondents on the ground in Iraq during the last year, The World gave listeners stories they would not otherwise hear. "I covered the fall of Kirkuk," says correspondent Quil Lawrence. "After years under brutal conditions, the Kurds now see the possibility of independence and freedom. I was able to walk around with a microphone and capture some amazing moments. There's no filter between me and my story. I either saw it happen or spoke with the person it happened to. That's the beauty of The World."
For coverage and analysis of subjects closer to home, Greater Boston, WGBH's nightly public affairs show, offers viewers a ringside seat. Hot topics this year included state budget cuts, the upcoming 2004 elections, and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision establishing same-sex marriage. "Our audience cares about news and public affairs," says host and executive editor Emily Rooney. "We're covering stories you won't find on the commercial channels to help our viewers make informed decisions."
Mind-expanding. Thought-provoking. No matter where you pull up a chair, WGBH guarantees you a clear picture of your community, our nation, and the world.
