About Jeffrey
Jeffrey Brown is the chief correspondent for arts, culture and society at 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 Dec 02
Renaissance master painter breaks gender barriers centuries laterArtemisia Gentileschi, a woman who painted her way to fame in the 1600s was largely forgotten for centuries. But more recently she is getting her full recognition at an exhibition in London's National Gallery. Jeffrey Brown has the story.
Arts Nov 27
How independent bookstores are weathering tough economic timesThese are perilous times for independent bookstores. More than one independent bookstore has closed each week since the pandemic began, and 20 percent across the country are in danger of closing, according to a recent study by the American Booksellers…
World Nov 25
Mexican chef Gabriela Cámara on food as a force for social goodCuisine inspired by Mexico can be found almost everywhere in the United States. But at chef Gabriela Cámara's restaurants -- on both sides of the border -- dishes with fresh, local ingredients put a unique twist on traditional favorites. Jeffrey…
Arts Nov 24
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 Nov 23
What global success of Mexican filmmakers means for the next generation at homeMexico has a rich history of cinema. But in recent years, a number of Mexican filmmakers have found remarkable success on the international stage. For Canvas, our ongoing arts and culture series, Jeffrey Brown shares a story produced before the…
Arts Nov 18
In rural Michigan, Detroit artists reimagine the iconic American barnThe American barn is a cultural icon, but one that is quickly disappearing. In Port Austin, Michigan, an art project aims to draw attention to these structures -- and maybe even save some of them along the way. Jeffrey Brown…
Arts Nov 10
What Don DeLillo dreads — and finds compelling — about a blank screenIn Don DeLillo's new novel “The Silence,” all screens go dark and technology fails. That very lack of knowing, in the short distance between us and our screens, is the space in which this novel unfolds.
Arts Nov 09
Remembering ‘Jeopardy!’ legend Alex TrebekAlex Trebek was known to millions the world over for hosting the TV game show “Jeopardy!” Diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, he continued taping programs until recently, with the final episode of “Jeopardy!” due to air on Christmas. The Canadian-born…
Education Nov 02
How the pandemic could cause significant ‘learning loss’ for studentsPaul Tough is the author of “Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why,” the October selection for the NewsHour-New York Times book club, Now Read This. The coronavirus pandemic has upended American life. What are its consequences for the education…
Arts Oct 27
Author Paul Tough answers your questions about ‘Helping Children Succeed’Paul Tough, author of our October pick for the NewsHour-New York Times book club, Now Read This, joins Jeffrey Brown to answer reader questions about “Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why.”…
