Following an extensive nationwide search, PBS has named former NPR Executive Editor Madhulika Sikka as its new Public Editor. Like her predecessor Michael Getler, who retired after 10 years as PBS’ ombudsman, Sikka will offer an independent editorial perspective on PBS programming, including matters raised by viewers.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and as part of its yearlong commitment to celebrating the diversity of our nation, PBS today announced programs that commemorate the experiences, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have shaped Latino — and American — history.

PBS announced today that Jennifer Rankin Byrne has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Corporate Communications. A member of PBS’ senior leadership team, she reports to Jonathan Barzilay, PBS Chief Operating Officer.

PBS today announced that Dana Golub has been promoted to the newly created role of Vice President, Programs Management. Golub will continue to serve on PBS’ Technology and Operations team, reporting to PBS Chief Technology Officer Mario Vecchi.

This fall, PBS brings viewers broadcast premieres of Broadway’s best every Friday night, beginning October 20 with a GREAT PERFORMANCES special, “She Loves Me,” starring Laura Benanti, Zachery Levi, Jane Krakowski and Gavin Creel.

Stand Up To Cancer, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and PBS today announced the opening of applications for The Emperor Science Award 2018 program, designed to empower high school students to become the next generation of cancer researchers.

PBS will give viewers a live tour of the wreckage from the USS Indianapolis, the World War II vessel that has rested at the bottom of the North Pacific Ocean since its sinking in 1945.

PBS Digital Studios announced today the premiere of a new digital series, ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING, hosted by Yale doctoral candidate Danielle Bainbridge.

PBS KIDS and Carson-Dellosa announced a multi-year licensing partnership that will create a wide range of PBS KIDS educational products – including a new series of affordable books, workbooks, educational cards, learning kits and more – launching in 2018.

Two winners were announced today for the sixth annual PBS Online Film Festival. The film that took the “Most Popular” award was “Maria,” presented by Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) and The National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) film “You Can Go,” received the “Juried Prize.”

THE RUFF RUFFMAN SHOW is an all-new short-form animated digital series designed to help kids ages 4-8 learn core science concepts through videos, game-play and hands-on activities.

PBS announced CIVILIZATIONS, a new nine-part series presented in partnership with the BBC tells the story of art from the dawn of human history to the present day —for the first time on a global scale. Premieres in spring 2018.

THE GREAT AMERICAN READ (w.t.), a new eight-part television series and nationwide campaign that explores the joy of books and the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved books will launch in spring 2018.

LUNA AROUND THE WORLD will encourage kids ages 4-7 to explore and appreciate cultures from all over the world, and build global citizenship and social skills.