FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PBS NORTH CAROLINA RELEASES ITS NEW ‘IMPACT REPORT’

The annual publication highlights the network’s unwavering commitment to community.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 6/26/2024 — PBS North Carolina proudly announces the release of its new Impact Report, which spotlights its community-focused efforts during the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023. The Impact Report draws inspiration from North Carolina’s state motto, “to be rather than to seem,” and reflects the network’s mission to be genuinely and authentically about, for and by the people of North Carolina. 

“Everyone at PBS North Carolina is driven by a profound sense of purpose to represent and amplify the vibrancy of North Carolina’s communities,” says David Crabtree, PBS North Carolina’s CEO and General Manager. “Thank you to all our members, donors and partners for supporting our efforts to reach and serve every corner of this great state. By investing in PBS North Carolina, you’re giving right back to the people who make our communities thrive.” 

As a statewide network reaching over 14 million viewers, PBS North Carolina serves the third largest public media market in the U.S. Its portfolio includes four over-the-air channels, online streaming, a robust website, e-newsletters and podcasts as well as engaging social media and at-home learning content. The network reaches 2.4 million broadcast viewers and garners 630,000 streaming views monthly. Additionally, North Carolina households account for 101 million PBS KIDS streams annually. 

Other highlights of the year include: 

• 3,255 hours of locally produced programs showcasing North Carolina’s people, places and culture.
• 22,322 hours of PBS favorites like Sesame Street, Masterpiece, Ken Burns productions and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
• 72 events, programs and initiatives that reached 81 counties across the state and 127,644 children, parents, caregivers, educators, administrators and childcare providers.
• Six Emmy® Awards at the 38th Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards.
• The 2023 National Association of Broadcasters Technology Innovation Award for developing a groundbreaking digital paging service for emergency responders.

Education & Outreach 

PBS North Carolina is committed to helping all learners thrive through equitable access to meaningful educational opportunities. In collaboration with statewide and local partners, PBS North Carolina connects communities throughout the state with enriching resources and services. These include the Rootle Ambassador Program, which connects learning resources to families through a trusted community leader; the Rootle Roadster Tour, which meets the unique needs of rural families by bringing empowering resources directly to their community; the Rootle Readiness Program, in collaboration with statewide agencies, produced videos showcasing resources for parents, caregivers and educators; and the Impact Early Childhood Education Summit, an annual conference for educators, childcare providers, parents and caregivers that offers inspiring sessions in areas like literacy, STEM and social-emotional learning. 

Community Engagement 

PBS North Carolina believes that sharing stories and experiences enlightens minds, enhances lives, fosters well-being and sharpens our mutual understanding of each other in the world. In 2023, PBS North Carolina created connections for 17 events and program screenings with community-driven panel discussions that featured 55 subject-matter experts and 14 community organizations. 3,519 attendees participated in program screenings such as Becoming Frederick Douglass from Maryland Public Television, Facing Suicide from Twin Cities Public Television, The U.S. and the Holocaust from WETA, Reel South and Independent Lens. 

Insightful Perspectives & Safety 

PBS North Carolina seeks to share trustworthy perspectives that empower our communities and broaden perspectives. Local productions such as Sci NC, ncIMPACT, Black Issues Forum and State Lines explore what’s happening close to home and share North Carolina insight and innovation with the world. 

PBS North Carolina is also a critical communications provider for the state through a powerful partnership with the NC Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management and the Office of the Governor. PBS North Carolina provides live broadcasts and streaming in English and Spanish from the NC Emergency Operations Center before, during and after events to keep North Carolinians safe and informed. 

Inspiration & Creativity 

PBS North Carolina’s mission is to provoke thought while igniting imagination to make learning enjoyable for all our viewers. Throughout the year, we provided 3,255 hours of locally produced content such as My Music with Rhiannon Giddens, The Key Ingredient with Sheri Castle and NC Weekend, as well as 22,322 hours of PBS favorites like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Antiques Roadshow, PBS News Hour and All Creatures Great and Small. 

Sustainable Growth 

In fiscal year 2023, $30,288,100 in total revenue was received. Private support from individuals, corporations and foundations remains PBS North Carolina’s largest source of revenue. Coupled with federal and state funding, this support enables the organization to achieve its mission to educate, inform, entertain and inspire the people of North Carolina. 

Grants and individual gifts remained a cornerstone of PBS North Carolina’s annual funding. Membership and philanthropic support directly fuels the programs, projects, initiatives and distribution of services. Key highlights include: 

• 95,000 members donated $12.2 million, accounting for 39% of total revenue received.
• 56 corporate funders put more than $2.5 million in revenue under contract, including a 12% increase from 2022 in contracted revenue for specific projects.
• PBS North Carolina generated a healthy mix of funding from private foundations, federal and state agencies and public media partners. 50 grants under contract totaled nearly $2 million.

Learn more about PBS North Carolina’s mission to strengthen communities across the state by exploring the full 2023 Impact Report at pbsnc.org/impact. 

About PBS North Carolina 

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

-PBS NC-

Media Contact 
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications 
PBS North Carolina 
press@pbsnc.org