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 Sep 17
An inside look at Ken Burns’ latest film ‘Muhammad Ali’Ken Burns' latest four-part documentary “Muhammad Ali” will premiere Sunday on PBS for four nights. Jeffrey Brown visited Burns at his studio for a behind-the-scenes look at how he makes his films, and the larger context and conflicts in telling…
Arts Sep 15
Rita Dove’s ‘Playlist for the Apocalypse’ is her plea for unity, collective well-beingJeffrey Brown has the story of prominent poet Rita Dove confronting private pains and public strains; home and history. This report on her book, “Playlist for the Apocalypse,” is part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Nation Sep 13
Boston’s changing demographics on display in mayoral race dominated by women of colorVoters in Boston are getting ready for a major shakeup in their city's politics. Tuesday's election in the race for mayor narrows the field to two finalists. One thing won’t change — all the contenders in this nonpartisan election are…
Arts Sep 03
Live music events get new life amid rising vaccinations and open spacesFor many musicians and live music venues across the country, the pandemic created an existential crisis. Despite signs of life this summer, new clouds are making the future uncertain. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Arts Sep 02
This Detroit exhibition puts American car culture on display70 years of automotive design and innovation are on display in the city that made them: Detroit. From mass produced cars to conceptual models and sketches on display, Jeffrey Brown reports on the car exhibition at the Detroit Institute of…
Arts Aug 27
In ‘Flag Day,’ Sean and Dylan Penn aim to break cinema’s ‘three thought rule’Jeffrey Brown talks to Sean Penn and his daughter, Dylan, about their real-life family ties, and those on-screen in their new film "Flag Day." They also discuss Sean Penn's relief work as he's on the ground in Haiti this week.
Arts Aug 23
How America’s writers are joining forces in hopes to bridge dividesA group of prominent writers has come together in an innovative way during the pandemic to reckon with these divisive times. Its mission statement says, "The nation is injured. We hope to contribute to its healing." Jeffrey Brown has a…
Arts Aug 13
This author traveled across the country to ask: What does it mean to be Latino?What does it mean to be Latino? Author Hector Tobar took a 9,000-mile road trip across the country last winter exploring exactly that. In an essay for Harper’s and a forthcoming book, “A Migrant’s Light,” he captures the history and…
Arts Aug 10
Michigan exhibit shows why a chair can be more than a place to sitThe average adult sits six and a half hours a day, but sometimes, a chair is much more. A new exhibition examines a school renowned for its influence on art and design – the very ‘look’ of post-war America. Jeffrey…
Arts Jul 30
Marcia Chatelain examines McDonald’s’ mixed impact on Black AmericaFast food is a staple of American culture, but in recent decades there has been a new focus on health and wage inequality. Jeffrey Brown talks to author Marcia Chatelain about the complicated history of McDonalds in the Black community:…