April 30, 2025

Austin PBS Introduces New Programs for Local Creatives

News Summary

Austin PBS has announced new initiatives for the 2025-2026 season, including the ‘High School Quiz Show: Austin’ and a Digital Originals Grant Program. Aimed at promoting local talent, these programs will highlight Central Texas culture and storytelling. The grant provides $35,000 to two creators for producing non-fiction web series. The announcement was made during the ‘Made in Austin’ event, showcasing the station’s commitment to diverse voices and community engagement. Applications for the grant are currently open, with winners expected in August 2025.

Austin PBS Unveils New Programs and Opportunities for Local Creatives for Season 2025-2026

Austin, Texas – Austin PBS is set to premiere a new educational initiative, “High School Quiz Show: Austin”, in 2026. This program aims to encourage Central Texas high school students to showcase their knowledge and teamwork skills in a competitive environment. The announcement took place during the third annual “Made in Austin” event, which was held at the station’s newly inaugurated PBS headquarters.

Committed to fostering local talent, Austin PBS, also known as KLRU-TV, is actively searching for local creatives to contribute to its programming. In line with this commitment, the station has introduced a Digital Originals Grant Program that will grant two creators $35,000 each. This funding is designated for the production of non-fiction web series that depict the life and culture of Central Texas, helping to amplify diverse voices in public media. Applications for this grant program are currently open, with the winners set to be announced in August 2025.

This announcement is part of a broader strategy by Austin PBS to enhance its programming lineup for the 2025-2026 season. The network has revealed a selection of new and returning programs that will cater to the interests of its audience. All programming will be accessible through KLRU-TV, the official AustinPBS.org website, and the Austin PBS app, ensuring that the community can stay engaged with local stories and educational content.

Event Highlights and Investments in Local Storytelling

During the “Made in Austin” event, attendees were given a firsthand look at the station’s extensive digital archives, which have been accumulated over six decades. This collection notably includes 50 years of “Austin City Limits,” the longest-running music series in American television history. The event not only showcased the station’s rich history but also emphasized its dedication to investing in local storytelling and promoting diverse voices within its programming.

Statements from Leadership

Leadership at Austin PBS underscored the significance of cultivating original storytelling that reflects the community’s cultural vibrancy. The investment in diverse voices is seen as crucial for shaping the future landscape of public media and ensuring that it remains relevant to viewers in Austin and surrounding areas.

Application and Program Details

As part of its commitment to supporting local creatives, Austin PBS invites individuals interested in the Digital Originals Grant Program to submit their applications. This program stands as a testament to the station’s ambition to weave local stories into its fabric of programming. Creators planning to produce non-fiction content that captures the essence of Central Texas are encouraged to participate in this opportunity.

The upcoming programming slate for the 2025-2026 season is poised to reflect the station’s mission of connecting with the community while also embracing fresh and innovative storytelling methods. Whether through traditional broadcast or digital formats, Austin PBS remains dedicated to serving as a platform for local creatives and a source of enriching content for its viewers.

For more information on the new programming and to stay updated on the Digital Originals Grant Program, individuals can visit austinpbs.org. This initiative suggests a promising future for public media in Austin, as it continues to honor its roots while looking ahead to new possibilities and stories waiting to be told.

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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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