Pressroom

2023

September 28, 2023

highlights the real people and stories across Chicago's communities

September 20, 2023

Chicago Tonight, FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison, The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago

August 31, 2023

CHICAGO STORIES, Ken Burns’ THE AMERICAN BUFFALO and new seasons of UNFORGOTTEN, WORLD ON FIRE, ANNIKA, NATURE, FRONTLINE, and NOVA

August 21, 2023

Eight new stories uncovering the fascinating history, rich diversity, and breadth of human experience that shaped this great American city

July 3, 2023

Dedicated Local News Coverage of Public Safety, Crime, and Violence in Chicago

May 29, 2023

Wednesday, June 7 • 8:30 pm

April 7, 2023

for Excellence in WTTW News Content and Coverage, collaborations with ProPublica and South Side Weekly, FIRSTHAND and Chicago Stories series

February 13, 2023

Host Geoffrey Baer tours some of Chicago’s most breathtaking sights, and reveals the stories behind them

February 6, 2023

Window To The World Communications, Inc. (WWCI), parent organization of WTTW and WFMT, has announced the election of three new members of its Board of Trustees, each to three-year terms.

January 24, 2023

The candidates for the office of Chicago mayor will participate in a live forum moderated by Chicago Tonight co-anchor Paris Schutz

January 17, 2023

WTTW explores re-entry in a documentary series, expert talks, text and visual journalism, and community discussions.

2022

December 20, 2022

Expanded digital coverage, investigative reporting, human interest stories, and community-driven dialogue across WTTW News

December 5, 2022

Chicago Stories: The Birth of Gospel, The Union Stockyards, Beyond Chicago from the Air; Producer Jay Shefsky Named to 2023 Silver Circle

October 26, 2022

Thursday, October 27, 7:00 pm CT

October 24, 2022

U.S. Senate Forum produced in partnership with WBEZ and Chicago Sun-Times

October 12, 2022

Chicago Stories, Beyond Chicago from the Air, Jay’s Chicago

September 26, 2022

A new four-part special series from WTTW News exposing the harsh restrictions facing formerly incarcerated people. Monday, October 3-Thursday, October 6

April 4, 2022

In this fast-paced weekly series, host Geoffrey Baer activates the curiosity in all of us and makes you laugh along the way

March 9, 2022

Host Jay Shefsky tells captivating stories of city life

March 8, 2022

Six new stories uncovering the fascinating history, rich diversity, and breadth of human experience that shaped this great American city

January 26, 2022

WTTW explores segregation in Chicago in a documentary series, expert talks, text and visual journalism and community discussions

January 5, 2022

DIRECTV STREAM Customers Will Have Access to Educational and Inspiring Content from WTTW

2021

December 5, 2021

Chicago Tonight - Best Public Affairs Program; Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special - Best Documentary Program; and Phil Ponce inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle

November 10, 2021

A high-flying panoramic exploration of iconic landmarks and little-known treasures across and beyond Illinois

October 7, 2021

How a trailblazing woman sparked the improvisational theater movement and made Chicago the home of improv

July 1, 2021

A Capitol Fourth and Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away are part of the July 2021 Lineup

July 1, 2021

The Latino Experience, POV: Landfall, and In Their Own Words: Pope Francis are part of the July 2021 Lineup

May 7, 2021

A documentary and website chronicle the life and career of the trailblazing Chicago investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and suffragist

March 3, 2021

In a new, fast-paced weekly series, Host Geoffrey Baer activates the curiosity in all of us and makes you laugh along the way

2020

December 16, 2020

WTTW explores intergenerational poverty in Chicago in a documentary series, reported stories, expert talks, and community discussions

November 13, 2020

A new special from WTTW News explores an unusual year in Chicago, and how Chicago area residents respond and rebuild Tuesday, December 1 at 7:30 pm on WTTW

October 21, 2020

A new special narrated by Geoffrey Baer, filmed from above, explores Chicago and its history from a new and breathtaking perspective

September 10, 2020

How tensions around class and immigration affected the city’s response and revival

August 3, 2020

CHICAGO TONIGHT: LATINO VOICES; CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES

June 5, 2020

PEACE & JUSTICE: A WTTW News Special and Community Discussion, Documentaries, Music, and Children’s Programming

May 26, 2020

A Virtual Town Hall with Chicago/Illinois Journalism Students to launch on 6/1/20 on wttw.com

May 12, 2020

Join Host Emily Graslie, Chief Curiosity Correspondent at Chicago’s Field Museum and Creator of Popular YouTube Series “The Brain Scoop,” For a Summer Road Trip Through the Heart of America’s Fossil Country

March 30, 2020

CHICAGO TONIGHT correspondent/producer Paris Schutz reports live from Chicago neighborhoods highlighting community challenges and solutions

March 26, 2020

A new afternoon educational programming block for junior high and high school students premieres on WTTW Prime on Monday, March 30

March 23, 2020

A WTTW Documentary Series To Launch March 24 #FIRSTHANDwttw

January 7, 2020

WTTW News producers mentor young media producers; video projects to be showcased on wttw.com/news and on Chicago Tonight

2019

October 11, 2019

Friday, October 25 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease

September 9, 2019

Crain’s Chicago Business will contribute a nightly business report to WTTW’s Chicago Tonight

September 4, 2019

WTTW to bring audiences new sweeping eight-part series that celebrates a uniquely American art form, along with a content-rich website, wttw.com/countrymusic. Sunday, September 15 at 7:00 pm on WTTW11, wttw.com/watch, and the PBS video app.

July 29, 2019

New Three-Part Natural History Series about Exploring Prehistoric Life in the Western U.S. to Premiere in Summer 2020 Hosted by Emily Graslie, Chief Curiosity Correspondent at the Field Museum and Creator of YouTube Series “The Brain Scoop”

June 24, 2019

Dedicated Slate of On-Air and Digital Content that Celebrates American Space Exploration

April 1, 2019

WTTW presents a new series of vignettes spotlighting some unsung heroes of Chicago theatre: the people who make it work

March 8, 2019

A new 60-minute documentary providing in-depth profiles of candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle

March 7, 2019

Host Marcus Kronforst explores the wild side of three American cities – Chicago, Miami, and Austin Wednesday, March 20 at wttw.com/urbannature

2018

October 18, 2018

THE CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR: A WTTW NEWS SPECIAL 2018 VOTERS’ GUIDE TO THE GENERAL ELECTION at wttw.com/votersguide and LIVE CANDIDATE FORUMS on CHICAGO TONIGHT

October 2, 2018

Season 18 Premieres Friday, October 26 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease

September 17, 2018

Friday, October 5, 12, 26, and November 2 at 8:30 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/artdesignchicago

September 13, 2018

with new programming and associated digital content September through November on WTTW11 and wttw.com/read

June 15, 2018

10-episode weekly short-form digital series follows some of Chicago’s star chefs after they clock out of the kitchen

May 24, 2018

URBAN NATURE is the first digital series in WTTW history to be recognized

March 12, 2018

Premiering on WTTW11 and wttw.com/breitman on Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 pm

February 15, 2018

The nightly newsmagazine to present nine forums, as well as an online voters' guide, for Illinois and Cook County races prior to the March 20 primary election

February 12, 2018

Host Michael Keaton Pays Tribute to the Beloved Children's Television Series That Turns 50 This Year

February 1, 2018

Condoleezza Rice, David M. Kennedy, and a group of unlikely activists including Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon come together to explore American ideals and identity

2017

December 1, 2017

A one‐hour special on Friday, January 19 at 7:00 pm will mark JOEL WEISMAN’S final appearance as host

October 23, 2017

Thursday, November 16 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com and on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings)

August 7, 2017

Monday through Thursday at 7:00 pm CT

May 17, 2017

Guests: Brian Culbertson, AVERY*Sunshine, Will Downing, and Roberto Fonseca

April 5, 2017

Year-long Initiative, My Neighborhood: Pilsen, A Trailblazing WTTW Project, Kicks-off with Intimate Documentary of City’s Triumphant Mexican-American Residents

April 3, 2017

Thursday, April 27, 7:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/myneighborhood

March 2, 2017

Premiering Monday, March 20 at wttw.com/urbannature

March 1, 2017

With relevant content on WTTW11, WTTW Prime 11.2, WTTW World 11.3, and wttw.com

2016

December 12, 2016

New Episodes Feature Bad Company, Jon Secada, Blondie, Kenny Loggins, Old Dominion, and a Rebroadcast of Regina Spektor: A Soundstage Special

December 7, 2016

New Multicast Channel and Live Stream Will Support WTTW’s Mission to Reach All Chicago-Area Children with High-Quality Educational Content

November 16, 2016

The journalist will continue to cover the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield plus general assignment stories for the nightly show and website

October 6, 2016

New for Season 16: Guest-Reviewers to Share Exclusive Weekly “Confessionals”

October 4, 2016

The nightly newsmagazine to present six live forums, as well as a Candidate Free Time website, to Illinois and Cook County races prior to the November 2016 general election

September 1, 2016

Premiering Thursday, October 6 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11

July 12, 2016

PBS Kids series promoting outdoor play and nature exploration airs several times daily on WTTW11, wttw.com, and nationally

April 21, 2016

In Tandem with PBS’ Annual Meeting in Chicago, Title Character from the Multi-Platform PBS KIDS Series Joins Children in a Variety of Fun Activities

April 19, 2016

Thursday, May 12 at 10:00 pm on WTTW11, Friday, May 13 at 4:00 pm on WTTW Prime 11.2, and online at wttw.com

March 31, 2016

New Episodes Feature Toby Keith, a George Harrison Tribute, Jason Isbell, and Jake Owen

March 28, 2016

Technology enables innovative partnership between WTTW and WBEZ

March 23, 2016

Narrated by Bill Kurtis, it tells the story of forgotten World War II fighter planes at the bottom of Lake Michigan, the brave flyers who trained in them, and their link to the U.S. victory in the Pacific. Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 9:00 pm & Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 6:00 pm on WTTW11

February 17, 2016

The nightly newsmagazine to present nine forums, as well as an online voters’ guide, to Cook County races prior to the March 2016 primary election

February 17, 2016

On the season finale, some of Chicago’s top chefs reveal where they like to eat Friday, February 26 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease

2015

November 25, 2015

Monday, November 30 at 7:30 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com also airs Wednesday, December 9 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 13 at 7:00 pm

September 23, 2015

A star-studded group of legendary Chicago area “garage bands” of the 1960s and ’70s reunite for a landmark public television special. Taping at WTTW’s Grainger Studio on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 pm.

May 14, 2015

Season-Long Series of Hands-On, Local Events Kicks Off on National Summer Learning Day: Friday, June 19

May 12, 2015

for regular appearances on the nightly newsmagazine beginning Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm on WTTW11 and on wttw.com

April 6, 2015

Go inside a variety of Chicago area restaurant kitchens to meet the people who feed you. Launching Thursday, April 9, 2015 at wttw.com/foodphiles

March 25, 2015

New Documentary by David Grubin Focuses on Innovations in Medical Education at New York’s Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine

March 9, 2015

with candidates in the runoff election for Mayor of Chicago Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00 pm on WTTW11 and on wttw.com

March 6, 2015

will premiere on WTTW11 on Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 pm

February 20, 2015

Travel the Country to Meet Doctors and Healthcare Providers Improving the Health of Americans by Reinventing the Patient-Medical Caregiver Relationship

January 16, 2015

with candidates for Mayor of Chicago Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 pm and on wttw.com

2014

December 11, 2014

Throughout December and on New Year’s Day, Chicago’s premier public television station offers a variety of special holiday content for the whole family.

October 28, 2014

on interactive elements of Chicago Tonight U.S. Senate Candidate Forum during live broadcast and stream on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm

October 2, 2014

Friday, October 17 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com

October 1, 2014

The nightly news magazine to present seven October forums, underwritten in part by The City Club of Chicago, featuring candidates for state and federal office prior to the November 2014 general election.

September 24, 2014

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 is American Graduate Day 2014 part of American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen a national stay-in-school initiative

September 22, 2014

Groundbreaking five-part digital series from WTTW Chicago and Scrappers Film Group to premiere nationally on the WORLD public television channel on Monday, September 22

August 27, 2014

The groundbreaking digital series, which premiered on YouTube, follows five local eighth graders through the competitive selective enrollment high school application process

August 26, 2014

Unique new 6-part independent travel series, hosted by Kira Hesser, takes a rare and whimsical look at life on islands without cars

August 15, 2014

Brackett will continue to contribute to WTTW’s nightly newsmagazine as a Special Correspondent

July 31, 2014

Award-winning local filmmaker Mike Leonard and Picture Show Films reveal how a struggling Chicago church reinvented itself and revitalized a declining neighborhood

June 9, 2014

For the third consecutive year, the Emmy-winning local restaurant review series helps to select 13 more “Pop-Up” eateries for the downtown food festival

June 4, 2014

WTTW to partner with Millennium Park on Historic Screening of the Award-Winning Conservation Documentary; WTTW11 broadcast will coincide with a screening at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 8:00 pm

May 28, 2014

Three episodes to be taped locally in July 2014 to air during the series’ 19th season in 2015

April 21, 2014

Premiering on YouTube on April 14, 2014; new episodes in nine-part series to be released weekly

March 21, 2014

Premieres on WTTW on Thursday, March 27 at 8:00 pm

February 14, 2014

From the producers of Check, Please!, new series to premiere on WTTW and wttw.com in April 2014

2013

November 27, 2013

Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm only on WTTW

September 5, 2013

Including the debut of new "Check, Please!" host Catherine De Orio and an innovative new special, "Chicago Time Machine," from Geoffrey Baer

June 24, 2013

WTTW’s 11.3 channel to split schedule: Create’s “how-to” programming to air in daytime; WORLD programming to air in primetime and overnight.

June 18, 2013

IHC funding to help with distribution of a school curriculum for "10 Buildings That Changed America"

May 29, 2013

After an extensive search, the popular restaurant review series will premiere its 13th season in October 2013 with new host Catherine De Orio.

May 24, 2013

For the second year, the Emmy-winning local restaurant review series helps to select 12 more “Pop-Up” eateries for the downtown food festival.

May 1, 2013

WTTW Announces 2013 Summer Schedule

May 1, 2013

WTTW Announces 2013 Summer Schedule

May 1, 2013

The popular restaurant review series names its “final five” finalists to replace former host Alpana Singh; the new host to be named on May 29

April 26, 2013

The popular restaurant review series seeks to connect viewers to foodie happenings around Chicagoland.

March 7, 2013

National airdate: Sunday, May 12, 2013, 10:00 pm ET, 9:00 pm CT

March 7, 2013

The Invisible Hand: Architect Thomas Beeby will premiere on WTTW on Thursday, March 21 at 8:00 pm.

March 5, 2013

Country/folk/bluegrass legend to be joined by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell and other surprise guests. Evening celebrating American Innovation will shine a spotlight on WTTW’s upcoming national PBS special 10 Buildings That Changed America.

February 7, 2013

A dramatic re-enactment, hosted by Bill Kurtis, of the 1875 sanity hearing of Abraham Lincoln’s widow, in which modern-day experts seek a fair verdict. Broadcast premiere: Friday, February 15 at 9:00 pm on WTTW

February 1, 2013

New one-hour documentary on global water scarcity to air on WTTW Thursday, March 28 at 9:00 pm. Rebroadcast Friday, March 29 at 3:00 pm on WTTW Prime (11.2).

January 23, 2013

WTTW to Launch Search for Replacement.

January 2, 2013

A new local documentary that focuses on the attempted neo-Nazi March in Skokie in the late 1970s. Chicago broadcast premiere: Thursday, January 24 at 8:00 pm on WTTW.

2012

October 21, 2012

More stories of life in Chicago from the unique perspective of award-winning WTTW producer and reporter Jay Shefsky. Airing Fridays at 8:30 pm beginning October 5, with a rebroadcast on Sundays at 5:30 pm.

October 21, 2012

WTTW11's American Graduate Day kicks off week of cross-platform special programming to raise awareness of Chicago and the nation’s high school dropout crisis, part of American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen a CPB national stay-in-school initiative

October 7, 2012

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting to fund $7 million of start-up capital costs.

October 6, 2012

A new documentary profiles the former California governor from the turbulent 1960s and explores a family dynasty called by some "the West Coast Kennedys." Chicago broadcast premiere: Sunday, September 16 at 5:30 pm on WTTW.

August 8, 2012

Friday, September 21, 5:00‐8:00 pm at WTTW’s studios: A variety of Chicago’s most popular food trucks to serve up samples of their best; Check, Please! special edition to be taped at the event!

July 2, 2012

New partnership to combine the reach of Akoo’s digital video network and quality programming from WTTW National Productions, including the landmark music series Soundstage.

June 27, 2012

The popular local restaurant review series helps to select 15 "Pop-Up" eateries for first-time slots at the festival.

April 24, 2012

Premieres Friday, May 4 at 8:30 pm and Repeats Saturday, May 5 at 11:00 am and Sunday, May 6 at 5:30 pm.

April 19, 2012

Actor Jeremy Irons to host "The British Are Coming" benefit performance featuring Davies, stage and screen actor Simon Callow and other talented performers.

April 16, 2012

WTTW’s recent documentary Architect Michael Graves: A Grand Tour has been recognized with a Silver Plaque from the 2012 Hugo Television Awards.

April 10, 2012

Architecture program to air nationally in early 2013.

March 14, 2012

Alfie Boe: Live from the Royal Festival Hall, London -- Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 8:00 pm.

March 8, 2012

Architect Michael Graves: A Grand Tour will premiere on WTTW on Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 pm.

February 16, 2012

"Graduating to the Big Screen" will take place on Monday, February 20 from 1-3 pm at ICE Theatres in Chicago.

January 17, 2012

Innovative website takes viewers beyond the program, offering a unique interactive look at some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks...and the visionaries who built them.

January 17, 2012

Four new local celebs try their hand at stand-up comedy at Zanies Comedy Club, in a series that airs Friday, February 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 8:30 pm on WTTW11. Repeats at 11:00 pm on Sundays and several times throughout the week on WTTW Prime 11.2

2011

November 7, 2011

Initiative aims to raise awareness of America’s dropout crisis and keep students on the path to a high school diploma. Chicago Public Schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard to appear on Chicago Tonight Monday to kick off the program; WTTW partners with Free Spirit Media.

September 20, 2011

Chicago’s Loop: A New Walking Tour to air on WTTW on Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 pm. Host Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on a scenic and informative journey through the heart of the city, revealing the secrets behind some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.

June 8, 2011

Grant to fund enhanced coverage of the Great Lakes region by WTTW's Chicago Tonight and PBS NewsHour.

May 5, 2011

Grant to fund public awareness initiative to combat the high school dropout crisis, including unique partnership with Free Spirit Media.

May 5, 2011

The story of the Catholic Church to be presented on public television this fall.

March 15, 2011

A 90-minute mixed-media symphonic tribute to Abraham Lincoln, written and performed by jazz legend Ramsey Lewis at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Premieres Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 9:00 pm. Repeats Friday, April 15 at 3:00 pm on WTTW Prime 11.2 (Comcast channel 370).

March 10, 2011

Architect Robert A.M. Stern: Presence of the Past will premiere on WTTW on Thursday, March 24 at 8:00 pm.

February 4, 2011

Marked improvement in literacy, vocabulary, and basic computer skills seen in elementary school students testing this new interactive educational media game.

February 3, 2011

10 films to air in celebration of documentary studio's 45th Anniversary.

February 1, 2011

Saturday, February 12 at 7:00 pm in advance of its nationwide broadcast in March.

2010

October 19, 2010

Former WBBM Assistant News Director Don Dupree is named Director. Former At the Movies Executive Producer David Plummer will serve as Consultant.

October 14, 2010

Grant Awarded to Fund Development of UMIGO; W!LDBRAIN Entertainment to Develop Property in Collaboration with WTTW and The Michael Cohen Group LLC, Project Evaluator.

June 23, 2010

Medill graduate students can apply for 10-week paid internship on Chicago Tonight.

March 25, 2010

Also to appear in the station's new original documentary DuSable to Obama: Chicago's Black Metropolis.