"Need to Know" Renewed by PBS Through June 2013

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2012 -- WNET is pleased to announce the renewal through June 30, 2013 of its national weekly newsmagazine, Need to Know. The series - with Jeff Greenfield, Maria Hinojosa, Scott Simon, and Ray Suarez -- is part of PBS's news and public affairs programming and is broadcast during primetime on Fridays nationwide, with repeats over the weekend in some markets. (Check local listings.)

"I think the show has really hit its stride," said Marc Rosenwasser, the series' executive producer for the past year. "Our new single-topic format gives us an opportunity to go very deeply into important topics that don't get as much time as they deserve on many commercial news magazines. Our goal is to humanize often-difficult topics and add to the national dialogue."

The program's single-topic, 30-minute format features in-depth, documentary-styled reports focusing on how policies set in Washington affect Main Street. During the past season, the show has filed original stories from around the nation on many of the most pressing issues of our times: unemployment and under-employment in a monthly "Help Wanted" series; the foreclosure crisis; the difficulty of getting by on food stamps; healthcare reform; veterans care; prison reform; EPA regulation, the lingering effects of NAFTA, and how Chinese dumping of solar panels has cost Americans jobs.

Most notably, with the help of the Nation Institute, the show also produced two investigative half hours documenting widespread abuses in the Border Patrol. Those reports led to Congressional calls for action and a Federal grand jury investigation.

Need to Know also has done original reporting overseas about Christian persecution in Iraq, the aftermath of the revolution in Egypt, renewable energy in Germany and war crime tribunals in Cambodia.

The program also regularly includes an "American Voices" segment featuring diverse Americans with diverse points of view.

"Need to Know with its focus on the most intriguing story of the week occupies a unique place in PBS's programming lineup, and is part of why viewers trust PBS more than any other television news source," says Stephen Segaller, vice president, programming, for WNET.

Need to Know is a production of Creative News Group in association with WNET. Marc Rosenwasser is executive producer.

Need to Know is made possible by Bernard and Irene Schwartz, Mutual of America, Citi Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation, Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.

For 50 years, THIRTEEN has been making the most of the rich resources and passionate people of New York and the world, reaching millions of people with on-air and online programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites students of all ages to have fun while learning.

For more information on Need to Know, visit http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/ and follow @NeedtoKnow on Twitter.

About WNET

In 2012, WNET is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THIRTEEN, New York's flagship public media provider. As the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Need to Know, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJ Today and the new online newsmagazine MetroFocus.

About PBS

PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 123 million people through television and more than 21 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter. Web site: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PBSNeedtoKnow Twitter: http://twitter.com/PBSNeedtoKnow