Final ‘Worldfocus’ Broadcast Tonight

By kevin 

Tonight, WNET’s international news program “Worldfocus” will see its final broadcast on PBS stations across the country. As first reported by TVNewser, the program was canceled last month for financial reasons.

A WNET spokesperson tells TVNewser that 359 public television channels were carrying “Worldfocus” (85% of US households) and that many of those stations who don’t already carry it will likely look at “BBC World News” to fill that half-hour international news slot.

When it debuted, “Worldfocus” had, for some stations, replaced “BBC World News” (which is not to be confused with “BBC World News America,” the newscast airing on BBC America).

Advertisement

PBS stations in the New York area will be among those to make the switch to “BBC World News.” In a note to staff obtained by TVNewser, President and CEO of WNET.ORG Neal Shapiro writes this week: “While we’re disappointed that we couldn’t keep Worldfocus in production, we haven’t lost sight of our commitment to providing high-caliber international news and analysis to our community.” Full note after the jump.

As you know, Worldfocus is coming to an end this week. The program’s last day on the air will be Friday, April 2. Many of our colleagues from Worldfocus will be moving on to new endeavors and I know you will join me in wishing them well. They will be missed.

On a related note, I want to let you know that BBC World News will be returning to our local airwaves beginning Monday, April 5th. While we’re disappointed that we couldn’t keep Worldfocus in production, we haven’t lost sight of our commitment to providing high-caliber international news and analysis to our community. We’re proud to offer BBC World News to our millions of viewers. On THIRTEEN, BBC World News will lead off the evening news block at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, followed by NJN News, Nightly Business Report and PBS NewsHour. On WLIW21, BBC World News will air at 11 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Neal

Advertisement