Akin to the ‘recommended books’ rack at your local bookstore, here are our picks for great videos and programs from PBS and Thirteen/WNET–all online. Let us know what your favorites are too, in the comments.
Our numbering system: random and unscientific.
1. Carrier
“I thought it was very eye-opening and engaging, but also loved the way it’s been delivered online.”
2. In the Footsteps of Marco Polo
“Not your run of the mill travel show - just two down to earth NY guys who took an incredible journey.”
3. Frontline: Bush’s War
“Amazing.”
4. Frontline: The Hugo Chavez Show
“A seriously thorough job at profiling this fascinating/disturbing figure in action.”
5. Great Performances: The NY Philharmonic LIVE from North Korea
Streamed online live, a technological feat!
6. Worldfocus
“I love their special reports like the ‘How different countries view us’ series and the one about food prices and shortages around the world.”
7. Uncertain Industry
The death of NY’s manufacturing economic base, told in multimedia.
“I loved the umbrella maker segment.”
8. Make ‘Em Laugh: Promo Video with Jim Lehrer
Sometimes you need a straight man to deliver the best lines.
9. Soul! Miriam Makeba, Muhammad Ali and the Delfonics
The first of the Soul! Episodes to make it online, it has a stunning performance (and irreverent interview!) by the late Ms. Makeba, from 1972.
10. Bill Moyers Journal: Col. Andrew Bacevich Interview
“If only ‘conservative’ meant sharing an ideology like his.”
“Actually made me cry.”
11. Bill Moyers Journal: Reverend Wright Interview
Controversial interview subject; in-depth interview.
(extra: Moyers’ Journalism Conference smackdown of a producer from the Bill O’Reilly Show)
12. NOW on PBS: Women, Power and Politics
13. NewsHour Special: Debating Our Destiny II
“The best moments from the presidential debates from the past 20 years, very entertaining and insightful.”
14. Reel NY Film Festival: Broadway Express
New York subway life in 1959.
15. Thirteen Forum: An Evening With Tim Gunn
For all Tim Gunn fans, 88 minutes of Tim dishing on his life and projects.
