Current.org Blog

Will Oprah come to Masterpiece Theatre's rescue? A Reuters story suggests that PBS will ask Harpo, Oprah Winfrey's production company, to sponsor MT miniseries, quoting outgoing PBS President Pat Mitchell. "Oprah is incredibly philanthropic with her money and supports so many good causes," Mitchell told reporters at last weekend's Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena. "This would be one." WGBH sources aren't aware of any plans to approach Winfrey with sponsorship proposals, however. MT has been looking for a major sponsor since ExxonMobil turned off the cash pumps after the 2004 season. More from the press tour: PBS needs more money. "Some things never change for the Public Broadcasting Service: 'Sesame Street,' British theater and empty pockets," reports the Associated Press; despite the fact that she's a short-timer, Mitchell has declined to blast Kenneth Tomlinson or otherwise "speak frankly" about last year's controversy, according to the Hartford Courant; New York's WNET is producing new docs on the Supreme Court and American comedy and has committed to two more seasons of Wide Angle, the fifth and sixth for the Emmy-award winning international affairs show hosted by Bill Moyers. WGBH's American Experience will produce a doc on New Orleans. "With the recent devastation to the city, the time is right to reflect on the rich history of New Orleans," said American Experience executive producer Mark Samels.