Posted on: Saturday, June 16, 2001

Public radio, TV services join forces on news project

Associated Press

PBS and National Public Radio are planning a weekly, 90-minute television interview program that touches on current events, the economy, science and popular culture.

The two public broadcasting systems have only recently begun working together on projects.

NPR talent will contribute to the new show, called "Public Square," which PBS president Pat Mitchell described as an attempt to bring a Sunday newspaper to the air.

"Public Square" is tentatively scheduled to begin broadcasting next spring. Michael Sullivan, a former executive producer of "Frontline," will produce the series.

At the PBS annual meeting in Philadelphia, Mitchell also announced that the Public Broadcasting Service will establish a new programming production fund of $20 million over the next five years. PBS is establishing the fund together with Carlton International Media in Britain.