blog

Celebrating our independents

kevin@loclpublic.tv (Kevin Colligan) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On the eve of America's Independence Day, the Local Public team and I are marking the occasion by recommitting ourselves to a simple but increasingly important mission: helping independent public television and radio stations survive – and thrive – in the post-broadcast age.

Local Public, formerly a service of Cascade PBS, begins its next chapter today as an independent Public Benefit Corporation.

The timing feels appropriate. As our nation prepares to celebrate independence, we're celebrating a different kind of independence: the continued strength and relevance of locally rooted public media organizations that are accountable not to shareholders, private equity firms, or corporate parents, but to the communities they serve.

That mission matters now more than ever.

Across the commercial media landscape, over the past several decades, consolidation has become the defining trend. A shrinking number of corporations control an ever-growing share of what Americans watch, read, and hear. Local newsrooms have been hollowed out. Community voices have been replaced by centralized programming. Audiences are often presented with the appearance of choice while receiving increasingly uniform content.

At the same time, trust in media has eroded. News organizations face pressure from corporate owners, political factions, advertisers, and algorithms. In pursuit of scale, efficiency, and growth, the public interest can often become secondary to commercial interests.

And now a new challenge is emerging: a flood of AI-generated content optimized for engagement rather than enrichment. The internet is increasingly crowded with "AI slop" – content that is cheap to produce, abundant in quantity, but often thin in originality, expertise, or genuine human perspective.

In this environment, local public media's value proposition becomes crystal clear.

A station-produced documentary preserving regional history. A public radio host connecting neighbors around issues that matter in their community. A trusted local reporter covering a city council meeting. A live event that brings people together in-person rather than pushing them further apart online. These are not relics of a bygone era. They are exactly the kinds of experiences people will seek out as media becomes more centralized, automated, and detached from real communities.

That's why Local Public exists.

Our goal is not to replace public media's traditions. Our goal is to help modernize and strengthen them.

We believe local public media possesses extraordinary assets: trusted brands, deep community relationships, talented storytellers, and a public-service mission that has proven its value over generations. What many stations have lacked are the resources, scale, and technology needed to compete in a rapidly changing media environment.

Local Public aims to provide those missing pieces.

We bring a startup mentality to public media's longstanding tradition of community service. We are building technology that allows stations to move faster, collaborate more effectively, and reach audiences wherever they are. We believe partnerships should create shared value rather than winners and losers. Most importantly, we believe innovation works best when it starts with listening.

Our locally curated streaming apps are the first piece of that strategy. These apps combine the quality of national public media with the unique identity of local stations—something the major streaming platforms simply cannot replicate.

But apps are only the beginning.

In the months ahead, we'll introduce new features and programs designed to deepen community engagement, reinvigorate local journalism and original productions, and create new grassroots economies around independent documentary and film creation and distribution. We believe local stations can become even more important cultural and civic institutions in the digital age than they were in the broadcast era.

That may sound ambitious. It is.

But the alternative is accepting a future in which local media withers away while a handful of national platforms determine what stories get told, what voices get heard, and what communities matter. We reject that future.

Instead, we're pursuing something different: a growing coalition of independent public media organizations working together while remaining deeply rooted in their own communities. We are starting small, neighborhood by neighborhood and station by station, listening carefully, experimenting boldly, and building collaboratively.

Yes, today's media landscape can look bleak. Especially public media, which faces technological disruption, financial pressures, and federal defunding. The challenges are real.

But so is the opportunity.

The communities served by public media still need trusted journalism. They still crave authentic local stories. They still want meaningful cultural experiences. They still benefit from institutions whose primary loyalty is to the public rather than profit.

So while others consolidate, we are connecting.

While others centralize, we are empowering local voices.

Public media will not quietly fade away. The stations that have informed, educated, and inspired generations of Americans still have an essential role to play. Our job is to help equip them for the next generation.

This Independence Day, we're celebrating our independents – stations, creators and partners of every stripe – and betting that the future of media is more local, more human, and more impactful.

A huge thank you to …

Cascade PBS, for incubating Local Public and for having the foresight to set Local Public up as a public benefit corporation. This structure will allow us to take investment from fellow PBS stations and programming partners, while keeping our focus squarely on mission (which is too broad and too important to be owned by any single station)
PBS for building an open infrastructure that allows local stations to offer Passport and PBS programming to viewers in locally branded apps
Our partner stations, who have made Local Public possible, and who will help steer the future of our platform and products
Our programming partners, who help station programmers assemble and curate the world's best television
And streamers like you, who get their PBS programming from the local source, and who generously support their local stations

Stay tuned for the fireworks.

Cheers,

Kevin Colligan
CEO & President
Local Public, a Public Benefit Corporation

Local Public Grows Its Pacific Northwest Presence with OPB as Newest Station Partner

The Local Public Team — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Local Public is pleased to announce that Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) has signed with the organization to create their own custom streaming service expanding the ways OPB can connect with audiences across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

“Strengthening our digital presence and community connections are core priorities for OPB, and this new streaming service will help us serve audiences wherever and however they choose to watch,” said Rachel Smolkin, president and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting. “By joining Local Public, we’ll be able to offer viewers a more regional focus on content from the Pacific Northwest including Oregon Field Guide, Oregon Experience, Oregon Art Beat and Superabundant, alongside the broader public media content they value, across TV, mobile and web platforms..”

“OPB has been an important partner in shaping Local Public from the beginning, and we’re thrilled to see them take this next step,” said Kevin Colligan, VP of Media & Innovation at Cascade PBS and Project Lead of Local Public. “As a founding sponsor and advisory board member, OPB understands the need for stations to have more control over how and where they serve their communities. We’re excited to support OPB as they bring this digital experience to viewers across the region.”

OPB joins the growing list of public media stations that have joined Local Public to create modern, locally branded streaming experiences. Local Public provides stations with editorial control, rich metadata, platform-wide distribution across connected TV, mobile and web, and tools designed to support audience engagement and growth.

OPB expects to launch its streaming apps this fall, with the official name to be announced shortly.

Arizona PBS joins Local Public as newest partner

The Local Public Team — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

New collaboration aims to expand digital access to Arizona PBS across the state

Arizona PBS, a community service of Arizona State University, is proud to announce a new partnership with Local Public, joining a growing network of public media organizations working to expand access to trusted public media content for viewers across Arizona.

Through this partnership, Arizona PBS will join Local Public’s shared platform to create a more accessible and user-friendly streaming experience that brings together PBS favorites with local programming, educational resources and in-depth news coverage, all in one place.

“Public media should be easy to access for everyone,” said Arizona PBS General Manager Scott Woelfel. “This partnership reflects our continued investment in serving Arizona communities with the trusted programming and resources that fit how we consume media today.”

As viewing habits continue to evolve, Arizona PBS is committed to ensuring Arizonans can access the station’s trusted and community-focused programming wherever and whenever they choose.

“We are thrilled to welcome Arizona PBS to the Local Public platform,” said Kevin Colligan, Local Public project lead and Cascade PBS VP of Media & Innovation. “We are excited to work with the Arizona team to help redefine local public media for the post-broadcast age.”

Additional details about Arizona PBS’ streaming platform will be announced at a later date.

About Arizona PBS
Arizona PBS is one of the nation’s leading public media organizations, with four broadcast channels and a growing array of digital platforms. A trusted community resource for 65 years, Arizona PBS fosters lifelong learning through quality programming, in-depth news coverage and critical educational outreach services. It is one of the country’s largest public television stations, reaching 80 percent of Arizona homes and 1.5 million households each week. Arizona PBS has been part of ASU since the station launched in 1961. Learn more at https://azpbs.org.

Media contact:
Jeremy Cauthen
Senior Director of Brand Engagement and Marketing, Arizona PBS
jeremy.cauthen@asu.edu

About Local Public
Local Public empowers local PBS and NPR stations to digitally transform into self-sustaining, member-supported local streaming services. Local Public currently serves stations in 18 markets across North America. Learn more at https://www.localpublic.tv/.

Media contact:
Kevin Colligan
Cascade PBS VP of Media & Innovation
kevin.colligan@cascadepbs.org

SCETV announces partnership with Local Public to develop new streaming experience, SCETV+

The Local Public Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) today announced a new partnership with Local Public, a collaborative streaming initiative developed by public media organizations, to create a new locally curated streaming platform for audiences across South Carolina.

The future platform, branded as SCETV+, will bring together PBS programming, SCETV original productions, livestreamed channels and curated South Carolina-focused content into one streaming experience designed specifically for viewers in the state and beyond.

“Public media organizations across the country are recognizing that strong local streaming experiences are essential to the future of audience engagement, and this partnership gives SCETV the opportunity to shape how our content and services are experienced digitally,” said SCETV Assistant General Manager/Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook. “SCETV+ will strengthen our connection to communities across South Carolina while ensuring audiences continue to have access to the trusted programs and resources they value most.”

The partnership marks a significant step in SCETV’s long-term digital transformation strategy as audiences increasingly shift toward on-demand and streaming viewing habits. The platform is expected to enhance SCETV’s ability to connect with younger and streaming-first audiences while expanding opportunities for audience engagement and membership growth.

“SCETV+ represents a major step forward in how we serve audiences across South Carolina,” said SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell. “For more than six decades, SCETV has provided trusted storytelling, education and public service to communities across our state, and this investment ensures that mission continues to thrive as audience habits and media consumption continue to evolve. We remain committed to making high-quality local programming and services accessible wherever and whenever people choose to engage with them.”

SCETV+ will be powered by the Local Public platform, a public media-led initiative originally launched by Cascade PBS in collaboration with stations across the country. The platform is designed to help public media organizations create customizable, member-supported streaming experiences while leveraging existing national infrastructure and content systems.

“SCETV has a longstanding legacy of serving audiences through trusted storytelling, education and public service, and we’re excited to welcome them to the growing community of stations shaping the future of local public media streaming,” said Cascade PBS Vice President of Media and Innovation Kevin Colligan. “SCETV+ will create new opportunities to connect South Carolinians with the local and national content that matters most to them in a streaming environment designed specifically for their communities.”

The Local Public initiative has grown steadily in recent years, with stations across the United States adopting locally branded streaming platforms that combine national programming with locally curated content and community storytelling.

Existing digital services, including the PBS App and the SCETV Passport member benefit, will continue unchanged and remain an important part of the public media experience for viewers and supporters. Current SCETV Passport members will continue to have access to the extensive library they already enjoy, while SCETV+ will build upon that experience with a locally curated approach designed specifically for South Carolina audiences.

Support from members and the ETV Endowment of South Carolina will continue to play a critical role in sustaining both SCETV’s existing services and the future growth of SCETV+ as public media evolves to meet audiences across new platforms and devices.

“The launch of SCETV+ represents a significant investment in the future of public media in South Carolina,” says ETV Endowment of South Carolina President and CEO Coby Latham.

SCETV+ is expected to serve as a centralized streaming destination for viewers seeking:

PBS and SCETV Passport programming
SCETV original series and documentaries
Public affairs programming and coverage
Educational and cultural content
Livestream access to SCETV broadcast channels
Curated collections focused on South Carolina people, places and history

SCETV+ will emphasize local curation and storytelling, allowing SCETV to highlight programming and collections tailored specifically to South Carolina audiences.

Additional details about SCETV+, including its official launch, supported devices, features and expanded content offerings, will be announced later in Fall 2026.

FAST FACTS

SCETV is partnering with Local Public to develop SCETV+, a new locally curated streaming platform for South Carolina audiences.
SCETV+ will combine national programming, SCETV originals, livestream channels and South Carolina-focused collections into one streaming experience.
The platform is part of SCETV’s long-term digital transformation strategy aimed at expanding engagement with streaming-first and younger audiences.
Existing services, including the PBS App and SCETV Passport, will continue unchanged, with SCETV+ serving as a localized and curated viewing experience.
Additional details about SCETV+, including launch timing, supported devices and platform features, will be announced in Fall 2026.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.

About Local Public

Local Public is a service which empowers local PBS and dual-licensee stations to launch member-supported streaming services. Our apps generate station revenue primarily via Passport member conversion and retention, and sponsorship opportunities. They are designed to replace declining broadcast-driven revenue and become a core revenue engine for local stations. Local Public is built around a collaborative Content Management System paired with human-powered metadata, AI-powered recommendations, and advanced curation and messaging tools.

Media Contacts

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337

Local Public
Kevin Colligan
kevin.colligan@cascadepbs.org

Houston Public Media launches HPM+ to Local Public

The Local Public Team — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Houston Public Media viewers have an upgraded streaming option: HPM+ is now available to download for television streaming devices.

The new, member-supported streaming service features on-demand PBS and Passport programming, and a wide range of local content collections curated in Houston specifically for the Houston Public Media’s local audience.

“Launching our on-demand streaming platform is an important step in how we meet audiences today,” said Josh Adams, general manager of Houston Public Media. “It brings together trusted national programs and locally produced content in one place, making it easier than ever for our community to watch what matters to them, on their own schedule.”

Houston Public Media (KUHT) has a proud 75-year tradition of success in public radio and television. Its main station, Channel 8 on the local dial, was the nation's first educational public television station.

The HPM+ streaming service continues the station’s mission: bringing more options to existing TV viewers shifting to streaming, and has the potential to reach a new generation of viewers who may have never tuned in the linear channel.

“HPM+ extends our mission to reach new audiences, removing barriers and delivering content that supports civic engagement, cultural enrichment and community well-being,” said Josh Adams, general manager of Houston Public Media,

The app is free to download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Google TV. Samsung and LG Smart TV apps will be available soon. It offers a wide variety of free, on-demand programs and livestreams of HPM’s broadcast channels.

A donation of $5/month unlocks the full PBS Passport library, featuring thousands of hours of dramas, documentaries and more, as well as early access to select programs.

HPM+ is powered by the Local Public streaming platform, which was designed and built by local public media, for local public media. That platform, which now serves 13 markets across North America, was developed by Cascade PBS in Seattle.

“Local Public is honored to have Houston Public Media on our shared platform,” said Local Public Project Lead Kevin Colligan. “We’re excited to provide the infrastructure and support that will empower Houston Public Media to continue serving their community, long after the broadcast business-model fades to black.”

Local Public is a service currently run by Seattle's Cascade PBS (and steered by a coalition of partner stations). Led by Kevin Colligan, Cascade PBS’s VP of Media & Innovation, Local Public empowers local PBS and dual-licensee stations to launch member-supported streaming services.

WQED+ launches on Local Public platform

The Local Public Team — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

There's a new streamer in the Local Public neighborhood: Pittsburgh's WQED Multimedia launched WQED+ last week, offering viewers and members a new-and-improved local streaming experience.

WQED CEO and President Jason Jedlinski characterized the app as a thank-you gift for the station's loyal members.

“After we lost our federal funding, our neighbors showed up for WQED in extraordinary ways," said Jedlinski. "We’re showing our appreciation with a modern, curated streaming experience created specifically for the people who sustain us. It’s our way of saying: your support makes innovation possible!”

WQED+ is now available for streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV), mobile phones (iOS and Android), and is available on the web at plus.wqed.org. Smart TV apps for LG and Samsung launch soon.

The apps, which feature local, PBS and Passport (members-only) programming, are designed specifically by local public media for local public media.

“With WQED+, we're able to truly curate and recommend outstanding content, when and where our supporters want it, and also learn more about what's resonating and why," said Jedlinski, "It's an important shift — from one-way broadcasting to a more tailored and dynamic relationship.”

Locally viewed on channel 13, WQED is fittingly the 13th station using the Local Public platform, which was developed by Seattle's Cascade PBS in collaboration with PBS station partners.

Superstitions notwithstanding, the Local Public team feels lucky to have WQED aboard.

"WQED is a public media pioneer, with a 72-year history of innovation including some of the earliest experiments in educational television, which led to the iconic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood," said Kevin Colligan, Local Public project lead and VP of Media & Innovation for Cascade PBS. "We're looking forward to collaborating with WQED in the months and years ahead to create a sustainable, viewer-supported streaming model that can preserve public media for future generations."

The challenge is daunting.

The loss of federal funding follows on the heels of the massive shift of TV audiences away from traditional broadcast and cable channels to streaming services.

But results in Seattle and other markets show that there is a strong appetite for independent, local public media delivered via modern, easy-to-use apps. Together, Local Public and its partners are replicating that success nationwide.

“Launching WQED+ on the Local Public platform is a powerful example of public media at its best: sharing resources, splitting expenses, and tackling common challenges together," said Jedlinski. "At a moment when efficiency matters more than ever, we’re proudly leveraging what Cascade Public Media built in Seattle so we can focus our energy on serving our neighbors in Pittsburgh.”

See wqed.org/plus for more information and to download WQED+.