THIRTEEN has partnered with The Big Screen Project (BSP1) to bring Thirteen.org online original content to public spaces.

Starting today at noon, episodes of The City Concealed will be broadcast on The Big Screen Project’s 30-foot LED outdoor screen.

The screenings will take place through February 27 at the Eventi Hotel public plaza on Sixth Avenue between 29th and 30th Streets in Chelsea.

The City Concealed, a 2010 Webby Award Nominee for Best Documentary Series, explores little known or inaccessible places throughout the five boroughs. Past locations featured on the show include Kehila Kedosha Janina, the only Greek synagogue in the Western hemisphere, located in the Lower East Side, and Ridgewood Reservoir (once the source of Brookyln’s drinking water).

The Big Screen Project will broadcast the episodes on the following dates and times in January and February:

JAN 7, 12:05-1:05 p.m.
JAN 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
JAN 13, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
JAN 15, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
JAN 21, 12:05-1:35 p.m.
JAN 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
JAN 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
JAN 27, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
JAN 29, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

FEB 7, 12:05-1:05 p.m.
FEB 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
FEB 13, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
FEB 15, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
FEB 21, 12:05-1:35 p.m.
FEB 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
FEB 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
FEB 27, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Check out the full schedule for more information.

Learn more about The City Concealed and watch full episodes online.

Tavis Smiley

Host Tavis Smiley has entered into a new co-production partnership with WNET to continue production on his popular national talk show, Tavis Smiley.

The program will continue to film in Los Angeles, with occasional tapings at the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center.  The partnership was announced at the Tisch WNET Studios by WNET President and CEO Neal Shapiro and Tavis Smiley.

Tavis Smiley features interviews with a unique mix of newsmakers, including  politicians, entertainers, athletes, and authors.  The show debuted in 2004, and is about to embark on its 8th season with PBS.

Tavis Smiley airs weeknights  at midnight on THIRTEEN.

Watch Smiley’s recent interview on At the Paley Center:

Watch Tavis Smiley’s special report on New Orleans five years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans: Been in the Storm Too Long:

Worldfocus anchor Daljit Dhaliwal

Yesterday, it was announced that four THIRTEEN-produced programs have been nominated for a total of eight News and Documentary Emmy Awards. Among the nominees: Worldfocus (three nominations), Wide Angle (two nominations), Secrets of the Dead ( two nominations), and Nature.

Congratulations to all the nominees! Find out the results on the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on August 29, 2010.

OUTSTANDING CONTINUING COVERAGE OF A NEWS STORY IN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWSCAST

Worldfocus
Vietnam: Legacy of War
Correspondent
Mark Litke
Producer
Ara Ayer
Executive Producer
Marc Rosenwasser

OUTSTANDING FEATURE STORY IN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWSCAST

Worldfocus
Haiti: Mud Cookies
Correspondent
Benno Schmidt
Producer
Ara Ayer
Executive Producer
Marc Rosenwasser
Editorial Producer
Peter Eisner

BEST STORY IN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWSCAST

Worldfocus
Vietnam: Legacy of War
Correspondent
Mark Litke
Producer
Ara Ayer
Executive Producer
Marc Rosenwasser

OUTSTANDING CONTINUING COVERAGE OF A NEWS STORY — LONG FORM

Wide Angle
Crossing Heaven’s Border
Executive Producer
Tom Casciato
Senior Producer
Nina Chaudry
Director
Jung In Tack
Producer
Lee Hark Joon
Correspondent
Aaron Brown

OUTSTANDING INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMING ­ — LONG FORM

Wide Angle
Heart of Jenin
Executive Producer
Tom Casciato
Senior Producer
Nina Chaudry
Directors
Leo Geller, Marcus Vetter
Producers
Ernst Ludwig Ganzert, Ulli Pfan
Correspondent
Aaron Brown

OUTSTANDING HISTORICAL PROGRAMMING ­ — LONG FORM

Secrets of the Dead
Mumbai Massacre
Director
Victoria Midwinter Pitt
Producer
Andrea Quesnelle
Executive Producer/Producer
Andrew Ogilvie
Executive Producers
Phil Craig, Jared Lipworth

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN A CRAFT: RESEARCH

Secrets of the Dead
Mumbai Massacre
Researchers
Sandra Fonseca, Victoria Midwinter Pitt

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN A CRAFT: CINEMATOGRAPHY—NATURE

Nature
Victoria Falls
Cinematographers
James Charlie Hamilton, Jamie McPherson
Aerial DP
Simon Werry

Watch the full episode. See more Secrets of the Dead.

Watch the full episode. See more Wide Angle.

Judy Fresco (at far left) and Anne McCorry (second to far right) pictured with this year's graduates who received their GED diplomas through THIRTEEN's adult education program. Also pictured is former GED graduate Mary Malcolm (class of '99).

Yesterday THIRTEEN honored over 120 GED graduates at the Scholastic Auditorium in Manhattan, an annual tradition for the last 16 years. Among the graduates were participants from THIRTEEN’s GED adult education program, in which students utilize the GED Connection on-air course and work with tutors at THIRTEEN throughout the year to prepare for the GED exam.

Jon Rubin, Senior Director, State and Local Education Services at THIRTEEN led the ceremony. He was joined by Dr. Ellen Bergman, Superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Blythedale Schools, who delivered the keynote address.  Other presenters included NYC Council Member Robert Jackson, one of the champions of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity; representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Adult Education; Jann Coles from the NYC Department of Education; Charlotte Henson-Butler of CUNY; Mary Malcolm, a former GED graduate (class of ’99) and Shaquira Thomas, a current GED graduate.

GED Connection airs every Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. on THIRTEEN. It is one of several educational resources and services the station provides to teachers and students of all ages.

This year, “American Masters” received the 2009 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Series awarded by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) at the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. This is the series’ seventh Primetime Emmy win in this category in the past decade. “American Masters’” winning entrant for this category is Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About. Inside THIRTEEN spoke with the creator and executive producer of “American Masters,” Susan Lacy.

Q. This is the seventh time that “American Masters” has won the Emmy for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series, a record for any PBS series … How do you feel? Where are you going to put the statue?

It feels gratifying to be honored so many times by one’s peers. This is our 7th win for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series in the last 10 years, but prior to submitting for the series, we used to submit individual show for Non-Fiction Special, for which we were also nominated almost every year since the series’ inception. We also won many times, although I can’t remember the exact number of wins. I believe this speaks completely to the quality of our films, as well as the fact that our subject matter has always stood out from the majority of television fare. So, our Prime Time Emmy history has been truly unprecedented, at least in terms of public television series. It makes me feel proud on behalf of public television, as well as all the talented directors, writers and post-production individuals we work with who contribute to the high quality of the series.

The Emmy will join the others, as well as the Peabodys, Grammys and assorted other honors on shelves in my office. It’s pretty crowded up there and everyone worries the shelves will cave in someday.

Q. Since you created “American Masters” in 1984, a lot of programs that profile American artists have come and gone … How do you manage to keep your program relevant to today’s audience?

I think when you are focusing your programs on people whose cultural contribution was significant and whose body of work is defining, the films are always relevant. I have always made it a point to balance so-called “high” art with popular culture to reach as broad an audience a possible. Not everyone will be interested in every subject but, taken together, they cross the boundaries imposed by traditional means of measuring demographics. I also feel strongly that if we remain true to the mission of public television and, therefore, not bow before the ratings gods, we will always stand out, attracting a loyal audience not necessarily drawn to reality television and sitcoms, but who will stick with us year after year and, in fact, continually grow.

Q. What are some of your favorite “American Masters” programs, and why?

It’s difficult to pick my favorites, as I choose the subjects, put the teams together and often direct an episode myself, so there are many children in my stable. I can say that my favorite film to direct was Leonard Bernstein. In general, I am drawn most to those films which successfully transcend the traditional straight-ahead, narrative format to achieve layers of complexity and texture. This isn’t easy to do and not every subject lends itself to this, but when we do hit it, I am ecstatic. I would love to hear from our audience what their favorites are.

Q. What artists can we look forward to seeing on upcoming episodes of “American Masters”?

We have incredible subjects in development for future seasons, including John Lennon, Miles Davis, John Muir, Dustin Hoffman, Johnny Carson, Odetta, Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey, Mel Brooks, Jackson Pollock, Jessye Norman, Stephen Spielberg, Robert Altman, Helen Keller, Alvin Ailey, August Wilson, Joe Papp, Bill T. Jones, William Buckley, Cachao, to name but some of the films we are working on.

Funding remains our biggest challenge. Everyone loves and values the series, but it is very difficult to raise the money to make these films. The high cost of the rights associated with them, as well as our high standards of filmmaking, makes it impossible for them to be produced inexpensively. But, that’s another story.

On September 16, 1962, THIRTEEN first signed on the air, marking the birth of a unique source of outstanding television for the New York metropolitan area and viewers all across America. Nearly half a century later, the adventure continues. On the occasion of this 47th anniversary, Rafael Pi Roman interviews the station’s Founding General Manager, Richard D. Heffner.

The Trustees and staff of WNET.ORG, parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21, express their profound sorrow over the loss of Walter Cronkite. A broadcasting legend and a true American icon, Walter was a close friend, enthusiastic partner and avid supporter of WNET for many years. In 1990, he became a member of the Board of Trustees, and in 1992 served as Honorary Chairman of The Campaign for Thirteen, the largest capital campaign in the history of public television. He remained an active member of the Board until 2002, when he became a Life Trustee. Over the years, Walter brought his journalistic skills to a number of acclaimed programs created by WNET, including “City at War: London Calling” and “Legacy of War.” For many years, Walter served as host of an annual tradition, “Great Performances: From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration.” Befitting his stature as an American legend, he was also the subject of an “American Masters” profile – “Walter Cronkite: Witness to History” created by THIRTEEN. A man who set the standard for integrity in television journalism, Walter’s commitment to public broadcasting was truly inspirational. We extend our condolences to his family and we join the nation mourning the passing of a man who personified the highest aspirations of American media.

 
James S. Tisch,
Chairman
 
Neal Shapiro,
President and CEO

When Walter Cronkite spoke, America listened. A larger-than-life figure, he united the nation around the institution of television news. When Walter was in the anchor chair, the public felt they were in good hands, that a sense of order prevailed. When he closed each newscast with his trademark, “That’s the way it is,” his audience never had the slightest doubt. Lyndon Johnson said it all when he famously remarked: “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost middle America.” That’s how important he was. Perhaps no single figure will ever hold such a place of authority in the minds of Americans again. We will always remember him as “the most trusted man in America,” the man who personified broadcast journalism for a generation.

–Neal Shapiro, President & CEO, WNET.ORG

Of all Walter Cronkite’s remarkable qualities, one stands out above all – his humanity. While he was one of the most important and influential figures in the nation, he never lost sight of the true nature of his work – to inform and enlighten the public, and, consequently, to strengthen American democracy. Over the years, I was privileged to witness his compassion and his civic spirit time and again. He did so much to support the cause of public broadcasting, and to promote arts, culture, and history in any way he could. He was a great friend, a role model for all who care about journalism, and an inspiration to countless people.

–Bill Baker, President Emeritus, WNET.ORG

Walter Cronkite loved music and dancing, which is why he jumped at the opportunity to return to Vienna in 1984 — where he had been stationed as a correspondent following World War II — to host the 1985 Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day Concert. For nearly a quarter of a century, he created a tradition on PBS of ushering in the New Year with the festive waltzes, polkas and marches of the Strauss family. All of us at GREAT PERFORMANCES will miss watching Walter and his beloved wife Betsy as they danced to the strains of the Blue Danube when the clock struck midnight.

–David Horn, Executive Producer, GREAT PERFORMANCES

Nominations for the 30th Annual News and Documentary Emmy® Awards were announced today by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).  The News & Documentary Emmy® Awards will be presented on Monday, September 21. Here’s a list of programs at THIRTEEN that are nominated this year, along with links where you can watch many of them online.

OUTSTANDING FEATURE STORY IN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWSCAST

Worldfocus
21st Century Africa
Executive Producer:   Marc Rosenwasser
Producer:   Yuval Lion
Correspondent:   Martin Seemungal

OUTSTANDING CONTINUING COVERAGE OF A NEWS STORY — LONG FORM

Wide Angle
Birth of a Surgeon
Executive Producer:  Pamela Hogan
Senior Producer:  Nina Chaudry
Producer: Loui Bernal
Director: Karin Falck

Wide Angle
Lord’s Children
Director/Producer:  Oliver Stoltz
Executive Producer:  Pamela Hogan
Senior Producer:  Nina Chaudry
Director:  Ali Samadi Ahadi

OUTSTANDING CONTINUING COVERAGE OF A NEWS STORY IN A NEWS MAGAZINE

NOW on PBS
Afghanistan: The Forgotten War
Executive Producer:   John Siceloff
Senior Producer: Ty West
Producer: Bill Gentile

OUTSTANDING INTERVIEW

Bill Moyers Journal
Interview with Representative Henry Waxman
Executive Producer:  Judy Doctoroff O’Neill
Co‑Executive Producer: Sally Roy
Executive Editors:  Bill Moyers, Judith Davidson Moyers
Producer: Gail Ablow

OUTSTANDING ARTS & CULTURE PROGRAMMING

In The Footsteps of Marco Polo
Executive Producers:   Tom Casciato, Josh Nathan, Stephen Segaller, Lisa Taylor‑Belliveau
Senior Producer:  Eva Anisko
Producer/Directors:  Denis Belliveau, Francis O’Donnell
Producer: Emir Lewis

OUTSTANDING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND NATURE PROGRAMMING

Secrets of the Dead
Doping for Gold
Executive Producers:   Phil Craig, Sally Jo Fifer, Jared Lipworth
Producer/Director: Alison Rooper

BEST STORY IN A REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWSCAST

Worldfocus
War in Congo
Executive Producer: Marc Rosenwasser
Producers: Lisa Biagiotti, Taylor Krauss
Reporter: Michael Kavanagh

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN A CRAFT: WRITING

Bill Moyers Journal
Essays ‑ Gilded Age, It Was Oil, Memorial Day
Writers: Bill Moyers, Michael Winship

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN A CRAFT: CINEMATOGRAPHY‑‑NATURE DOCUMENTARIES

NATURE
Crash: A Tale of Two Species
Camerapersons: Michael Male, Chris Szwedo, Andrew Young

NATURE
White Falcon, White Wolf
Camerapersons: Ian McCarthy, Mark Smith

Or, to be more accurate, WNET.ORG’s new graphics! The impetus behind this redesign? Designer Michael Bierut answered some of our questions: Read More …

At the end of April 2009, 30 talented Juilliard students gathered to record new ID theme music for WNET.ORG productions, and for THIRTEEN and WLIW21 air. In a new collaboration between our companies and The Juilliard School, the music for the spots, which debut on-air May 4 at midnight, was composed by a third-year composition student, Niccolo Athens. Read More …