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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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin: Austin PBS 2025-2026 Season
- Wikipedia: Austin PBS
- CultureMap Austin: SXSW 2025 Free Events
- Google Search: SXSW 2025
- KXAN Austin: Inside Austin PBS Austin City Limits
- Google Scholar: Austin PBS
- Austin Chronicle: PBS Doc Man on Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: PBS Doc Man on Fire
- Austin American-Statesman: Mat Hames Knighted
- Google News: Mat Hames
