PBS's FRONTLINE Receives $5 Million From MacArthur Foundation
PBS's FRONTLINE Receives $5 Million From MacArthur Foundation
The Public Broadcasting Service and the producers of the FRONTLINE documentary series and its companion international news magazine FRONTLINE/World have announced a five-year, $5 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation that will enable the series to expand its production and online presence, as well as explore new media distribution platforms.
In collaboration with PBS, FRONTLINE plans to develop a series of online video initiatives, including a new player to view enhanced video of programs on the Web with additional embedded content. The grant will also help the series launch projects that will encourage audiences to engage in the series online, from encouraging public discussions to promoting the development of new Web-exclusive content. In addition, the funding will bolster the online infrastructure of FRONTLINE and FRONTLINE/World by making online video and print material available in user-friendly formats that are readily found in search engines and easily searchable within the site.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity to enhance and distribute our content on the Web," said executive producer David Fanning. "FRONTLINE was a pioneer with some of the first deep-content Web sites in 1995 and has since built a substantial library of video online. Now, this very generous support by the MacArthur Foundation will allow us to take the next big steps to integrate our documentary production online, enrich the user experience with new original content, and reach both new audiences and our loyal viewers on this new media platform."
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