TCA: Paula Kerger of PBS touts successes, announces new Ken Burns project

Paula Kerger, the president and chief executive of PBS, appeared before reporters and critics on Saturday morning and touted public television’s successes since the last summer press tour. She mentioned the ratings for Ken Burns’ “The War,” the fact that PBS.org has grown to be a vibrant and much-viewed website and that viewers seem to have embraced the rebooted “Masterpiece.” With that last achievement, Kerger said that its Jane Austen series doubled “Masterpiece’s” audience, and brought 50% more men to the program than used to watch “Masterpiece Theatre.”

“You don’t have to have two X chromosomes to enjoy Jane,” Kerger said.

But yes, Kerger said, “Masterpiece” is still searching for a corporate underwriter. It is currently being funded by member stations and individual donations.

She also announced Ken Burns’ next super-sized documentary series, which will be called “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” It will be a six-part, 12-hour series broadcast in the fall of 2009.

Kerger then outlined her three areas of focus going forward: public affairs, children and performing arts.  With the arts, Kerger said she wants to bring more dance, theater and music to PBS. “Frankly, I think we’ve drifted away,” she said, and pointed to the Ian McKellen version of “King Lear” -- which will be shown in the spring as part of the “Great Performances” series -- as something she wants to do more of.

With the mention of McKellen and “King Lear,” things went off the rails a bit because of the actor’s scene of full-frontal nudity.

Will they show it as it is, one critic asked?

Kerger demurred by saying that they haven’t edited the program yet.

But will they show it, he asked again?

“Let’s talk about this in January, OK?”, Kerger said, referring to the January press tour.

“My readers can’t wait that long,” he replied.

“Oh yes, they can,” Kerger assured.

The question was being pushed because PBS has had semi-regular run-ins with the Federal Communications Commission over language issues. Another journalist asked Kerger whether she is optimistic that a change in presidential administrations, whoever wins, will bring a change in the current FCC.

Kerger answered somewhat obliquely. “I’m an optimistic person in nature. I’ve spent most of my life raising money, and you have to be optimistic or you would kill yourself.”

-- Kate Aurthur