About Jeffrey
Jeffrey Brown is a senior correspondent and chief arts correspondent for the PBS NewsHour.
In his 30-year career with the NewsHour, Brown has served as co-anchor, studio moderator, and field reporter on a wide range of national and international issues, with work taking him around the country and to many parts of the globe. As arts correspondent he has profiled many of the world's leading writers, musicians, actors and other artists. Recently, Brown presented a multi-year series, "Culture at Risk," about threatened cultural heritage in the United States and abroad. He created and hosts the NewsHour's online "Art Beat" and also hosts the monthly book club, "Now Read This," a collaboration with The New York Times.
Brown is author of a collection of poetry, titled "The News" and serves as an advisor to the Sun Valley Writers Conference. His numerous honors include a News & Documentary Emmy Award and multiple CINE Golden Eagle Awards. He earned a bachelor's degree in classics from the University of California, Berkeley, a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, an honorary degree (D.H.L) from Wesley College, and attended the UC Berkeley School of Law.
Jeffrey’s Recent Stories
Arts Apr 01
This unusual Charleston college produces educated artisansAn unusual college in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a four-year liberal arts education while students also earn certification in one of eight artisan trades. The blended approach enhances students' capabilities -- and helps replenish the domestic pipeline of craftspeople. Jeffrey…
Arts Mar 30
How Mexico City became a global center for contemporary artMexico is a country where violence often dominates headlines. But in recent years, its capital has experienced something of a contemporary arts boom. Mexico City's annual Zona Maco festival has grown to become Latin America's largest art fair -- and…
Arts Mar 27
Grammy-winning Ranky Tanky is a band with a mission to honor Gullah cultureSouth Carolina band Ranky Tanky is on a mission to revive and celebrate Gullah music and culture, which originated among descendants of West African slaves in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The group earned a Grammy Award this winter, and…
Arts Mar 26
Philadelphia DA explores new role for arts in the criminal justice systemMixing art with criminal justice has become increasingly common in the U.S. The work often tackles complex subjects of redemption and reform. Jeffrey Brown recently traveled to Philadelphia for a look at a new program bringing art to an unexpected…
Arts Mar 25
Yo-Yo Ma’s musical effort to share #SongsofComfort amid coronavirusLast week, the NewsHour joined master cellist Yo-Yo Ma in asking the public to join the #SongsofComfort effort and contribute music both old and new. Chief arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown shares some of what we have received here -- moments…
Arts Mar 19
‘Roma’ star Yalitza Aparicio on balancing acting and activismThe 2018 film “Roma,” set in Mexico, won myriad awards and acclaim. But it also sparked a national debate about racial and social inequities. Now, its star, Yalitza Aparicio, has carved out a new offscreen role as an advocate for…
Arts Mar 16
How art can soothe us during times of crisisWith much of the world retreating under threat of the novel coronavirus, art serves as a salve in this time of need. As Jeffrey Brown found, art pops up in unexpected places and spreads online, bringing people together even as…
Arts Mar 06
Robbie Robertson on building The BandThe documentary "Once Were Brothers" chronicles the highs and lows of a famous rock group. Lead guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson began touring as a teenager and played for Bob Dylan before joining forces with four other musicians to become…
Arts Feb 28
How the Dallas Street Choir grants homeless residents a voiceThe mantra of the Dallas Street Choir is “homeless, not voiceless.” Some 2,000 singers have passed through the group in the last five years, seeking support, artistic expression and community as they contend with life on the streets. The organization…
Arts Feb 26
How actress Jean Seberg became a target of the FBIAmerican actress Jean Seberg was best known for her role in “Breathless,” a classic of French new wave cinema. But she became the target of FBI scrutiny due to her support of the Black Panther Party -- ties the new…
