Flashpoints USA with Bryant Gumbel and Gwen Ifill is an innovative new public affairs series from PBS that brings together both compelling examinations of critical issues and a dynamic pairing of two of the most respected names in journalism. Bryant Gumbel and Gwen Ifill serve as co-hosts of the quarterly series of one-hour news and public affairs specials.

Gumbel is acclaimed for his work with NBC, CBS and HBO, while Ifill is an honored journalist in both the print and broadcast realms and is central to PBS's two signature news programs, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and Washington Week.

"Public debate encompassing different views and voices is the lifeblood of democracy," said Pat Mitchell, president and CEO of PBS. "With this series, we hope to reinvigorate public discourse on all sides of an issue and fill a void in the television landscape, as well as spark intelligent debate among family, friends and colleagues."

In the array of news programming, Flashpoints USA with Bryant Gumbel and Gwen Ifill takes a novel approach, focusing on timely issues currently permeating American life through the on-the-ground experiences of the communities where the issues coalesce — their flashpoints. The series lends context, understanding and a human face to broad national issues, providing the provocative, engaging programming that has become the trademark of both PBS and WETA Washington, D.C., the producing station.

Flashpoints USA with Bryant Gumbel and Gwen Ifill uses a mix of compelling taped pieces and riveting conversation involving both policymakers and everyday Americans caught up in these explosive national issues.