Public Media News April 2015

Arkansans Trust AETN

Recent Nielsen data shows that PBS and its member stations are America's most trusted institution and an excellent use of tax dollars for the 12th consecutive year. PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers top-quality content and educational services that meet Americans wherever they are. As the fifth most-watched network among all broadcast and cable channels and reaching more than 33 million people online each month, PBS ensures viewers have the opportunity to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs. This broad array of programs - which remain available and free to all Americans - has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions.

AETN Educational Services

AETN works alongside educators, parents, students and the Arkansas Department of Education to impact student achievement. Stay connected, and continue learning, by following our blog; podcasts; RSS feeds; social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest; and Parents blog. You can find links to all of these resources at aetn.org.

Teaching Arkansans

The AETN PBS KIDS Writers Contest deadline is fast approaching! Encourage K-3 author/illustrators to submit their stories to AETN by Friday, April 10, for the opportunity to compete in the statewide competition. Each Arkansas entrant will receive a participation certificate, and 12 winners - three from each grade - will receive an AETN prize pack. First-place winners will be given the opportunity for Clifford the Big Red Dog to visit their school or to tour the AETN studios in Conway, and their stories will be submitted to the national contest. Contest rules, creative writing resources and entry forms − as well as 2014 winning stories − are available at aetn.org/writerscontest. Additional information is available by emailing marketing@aetn.org.

THIS MONTH

Last Days in Vietnam

During the chaotic final days of American involvement in the Vietnam War, what was to become of the South Vietnamese allies, co-workers and friends of U.S. nationals and diplomats as the Americans were evacuated? Learn how a handful of individuals risked their careers and possible court-martial by running unsanctioned operations in a desperate effort to save as many South Vietnamese as possible in the Oscar-nominated "Last Days in Vietnam." Free preview screenings will be offered in Little Rock, Fayetteville and Jacksonville, and the film will premiere on "American Experience" Tuesday, April 28, at 8 p.m.

PREVIEW SCREENINGS

  • Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m. - Fayetteville Public Library, 401 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville
  • Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. - MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 503 East Ninth Street, Little Rock
  • Monday, April 11, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - Jacksonville Museum of Military History, as part of Welcome Home Vietnam Vets, 100 Veteran's Circle, Jacksonville

"Arkansas Quiz Bowl 2015"

High school students will showcase their intellect in the annual Arkansas Governor's Academic Competition in the two-part Quiz Bowl 2015 state conference finals testing players' knowledge in literature, math, science, history, art, music and economics. The public is invited to attend this celebration and recognition of scholarship, which has been an AETN tradition since 1985.

Watch:

  • Round 1: Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.
  • Round 2: Saturday, April 25, 1:30 p.m.

Attend:
AETN Studios, 350 S. Donaghey, Conway.nPlease, arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. for the first round and no later than 1 p.m. for the second round.

"The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" story time visits

In partnership with Mercy Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas PBS Foundaion and "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" will be visiting friends in Rogers and Fort Smith for story time and photo opportunities. Join them Saturday, April 4, at the Rogers Public Library and Saturday, April 18, at the Fort Smith Public Library. Rogers Public Library 711 S. Dixieland Road 9 a.m. - noon Fort Smith Public Library 3201 Rogers Ave. 10 a.m. - noon.

"Agri Arkansas"

"It's what's for dinner" - so says the advertising campaign for the beef industry. In the April episode of "Agri Arkansas," take a closer look at the beef cattle industry in The Natural State. Then, explore the operations of L.C. Ratchford, a buffalo farmer in Marshall. Sunday, April 26, 1 p.m.

"Paint With Kevin: Season 2" premieres April 4

Continuing in his trademark style, host Kevin Hill offers hobbyists stepby-step instructions for creating "wet-on-wet" oil paint landscapes and seascapes in 13 new episodes - including "Start of Winter," "The Approaching Storm" and "Yosemite Mountain Range." Saturdays at 10 a.m., beginning April 4.

"Curious George Swings Into Spring"

"It's springtime, and everyone's favorite mischievous monkey has a big case of spring fever! But, serious lobby dogs like Hundley have no time for frolicking, especially when there's a spring-cleaning prize to be won. What will happen when George tries to lift Hundley's spirits? Friday, April 3, at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.

AETN Arts Fridays

  • April 3: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Damn Bullets," 6:30 p.m.; "Live From Lincoln Center - Billy Porter: Broadway & Soul," 8 p.m.; and "Great Performances - Annie Lennox: Nostalgia Live in Concert," 9 p.m.
  • April 10: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Go Fast," 6:30 p.m.; "Brian Wilson and Friends: A Soundstage Special Event," 8 p.m.; and "Live From Lincoln Center - Norm Lewis: Who Am I?" 9 p.m.
  • April 17: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Bonnie Montgomery," 6:30 p.m.; "American Masters - Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler," 8 p.m.; and "Voces on PBS: Children of Giant," 9 p.m.
  • April 24: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Keith Harkin," 6:30 p.m.; "America's Ballroom Challenge," 8 p.m.; and "Voces on PBS - NOW en Español," 9 p.m.

Sunday Night Brit Block

The perfect measure of drama is coming to your Sunday evenings this month - with a slight schedule change to ensure that you’re able to enjoy it to the fullest! New episodes of "Call the Midwife" will begin at 7 p.m., while episodes of "Mr. Selfridge" will start at 8:05 p.m. to allow for extended "Call the Midwife" footage. The much anticipated period drama "Wolf Hall" - starring Damian Lewis as Henry VIII and Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell - will begin at 9 p.m.

  • April 5: "Call the Midwife - Season 4, Episode 2," 7 p.m.; "Mr. Selfridge - Season 3: Episode 2," 8:05 p.m.; and "Wolf Hall - Episode 1," 9 p.m.
  • April 12: "Call the Midwife - Season 4, Episode 3," 7 p.m.; "Mr. Selfridge - Season 3, Episode 3," 8:05 p.m.; and "Wolf Hall - Episode 2," 9 p.m.
  • April 19: "Call the Midwife - Season 4, Episode 4," 7 p.m.; "Mr. Selfridge - Season 3, Episode 4," 8:05 p.m.; "Wolf Hall - Episode 3," 9 p.m.
  • April 26: "Call the Midwife - Season 4, Episode 5," 7 p.m.; "Mr. Selfridge - Season 3, Episode 5," 8:05 p.m.; and "Wolf Hall - Episode 4," 9 p.m.