Silver Linings Playback: Local Public Media Loves Indie Film

Cuts to CPB funding present serious challenges for public media, but stations across the country are joining forces to respond with bold innovation. Many are collaboratively modernizing their streaming platforms, rebuilding programming pipelines, and transforming into local, member-supported digital services that reflect today’s viewing habits. At the same time, they are seeing rising support from foundations, major donors, and audiences.

This shift is creating new opportunities for filmmakers. Public media stations now need a wider range of content to serve diverse digital audiences, opening the door for collaborations with festivals, exhibitors, distributors, and independent creators. This panel brings together public media innovators to explore how new platforms, partnerships, and technological upgrades can strengthen the documentary ecosystem and create fresh pathways for independent film discovery and distribution.

Moderator: Vince Stehle, Senior Advisor, Public Media Venture Group

Speakers:

• Kevin Colligan, VP of Media and Innovation, Cascade PBS
• Nikki Jones, Chief Digital Officer, Rocky Mountain PBS
• Christopher Hastings, President and CEO of WXXI Public Media in Rochester, NY