Pressroom
2021
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
October 13, 2020
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 13, 2020
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
February 24, 2020
February 17, 2020
January 27, 2020
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 14, 2019
Launches Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at wttw.com/firsthand
October 11, 2019
Friday, October 25 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease
September 9, 2019
September 9, 2019
Crain’s Chicago Business will contribute a nightly business report to WTTW’s Chicago Tonight
September 4, 2019
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
February 14, 2019
January 22, 2019
2018
December 26, 2018
November 26, 2018
November 12, 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
August 20, 2018
wttw.com/read features extensive local content and exclusive features
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
April 26, 2018
April 23, 2018
March 20, 2018
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 18, 2017
August 7, 2017
Monday through Thursday at 7:00 pm CT
July 18, 2017
June 22, 2017
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 4, 2017
April 3, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 7:00 pm on
WTTW11 and wttw.com/myneighborhood
April 3, 2017
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 18, 2016
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 5, 2016
Thursday, October 27 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com
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
WTTW Announces that Capri Sun, Maker of Capri Sun Organic, Will Provide Major Support for NATURE CAT
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 29, 2015
September 29, 2015
Wednesday, October 7 at 8:00 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.
September 15, 2015
WFMT to welcome U.S. Supreme Court Justice RUTH BADER GINSBURG as Guest Host on Monday, September 21
June 24, 2015
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
October 3, 2013
from WBBM Newsradio
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"
June 13, 2013
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
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
December 11, 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.
October 19, 2011
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.
September 29, 2010
WordWorld Creators Release New Episodes for Fall 2010.
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.
