PBS News producer and Washington, D.C., PBS WETA, announced in October the launch of PBS News Press Pass, a new fundraising initiative that offers members exclusive perks.
WETA is the flagship PBS member television and classical radio station for the Washington, D.C., area. It’s the primary production home for major national public television programs, including PBS News and Washington Week with The Atlantic.
PBS Senior Executive Producer Sara Just and WETA EVP and chief development officer Richard Blandis head the initiative. A national supporter program, it operates as a direct fundraising initiative following federal funding rescissions and cuts to public media, PBS said in a statement.
A PBS statement outlined important details, including:
- Cost: Starts at $8/month or a one-time contribution of $96/year.
- Independence: PBS News Press Pass is a national program for PBS News and is separate from local PBS station membership programs.
- News Without Paywalls: The program does not put core news reporting behind a paywall.
This mission-driven program is designed for committed supporters of PBS News across platforms who contribute at or above the News Press Pass price. This essential fundraising stream began taking shape following last year’s cuts to federal funding, which necessitated new ways to build and maintain sustainable support for PBS News.
“Last year’s recession marked an unprecedented moment for public media, and Press Pass is one important way PBS News is responding — securing new support while staying true to our 50+ year commitment of providing thoughtful reporting, distinctive storytelling and insightful analysis for all.”
Bland added, “PBS News Press Pass is a new, essential, and distinct way in which we’re pursuing the financial sustainability of PBS News programming across platforms for years to come. In response to last year’s rescission, PBS News audiences stepped up in support of objective, credible, and independent journalism and Press Pass will allow us to better engage with our loyal supporters and serve our growing audiences more broadly.”
Press Pass Holders will receive a new political newsletter, “Inside the White House with Liz Landers,” as well as interruption-free podcasts and select virtual events. The initiative will also give PBS News an opportunity to connect with, engage, and retain a growing network of supporters, while keeping its core journalism accessible to all and not behind any paywalls.
For more on PBS News Press Pass, including how to join and supporter benefits, click here.