Austin PBS launches Austin InSight, weekly news and feature program

New program blends in-depth reporting, incisive interviews, and Austin PBS’s unique approach to storytelling in an expanded commitment to news and public affairs content

Austin, TX (Oct. 21, 2024) - Austin PBS announced today the launch of Austin InSight, a new weekly news and feature program that will cover issues that impact central Texans, while also highlighting the region’s vibrant cultural and creative diversity. The 30-minute program, co-hosted by Danielle Banda and Laura Laughhead (bios below), will air Thursdays at 7 p.m., beginning Oct. 31. The program format will primarily be a magazine-style approach, with occasional lengthy interviews with newsmakers as well as episodes that explore a single topic.

Austin InSight is the flagship program of a renewed multi-channel news and public affairs content effort at Austin PBS that will feature original reporting, insights and analysis from leading local journalists, engaging storytelling, and community events. The program also will include content from the award-winning community journalism project Decibel, which will continue and expand under the leadership of reporter Blair Waltman-Alexin.

In addition to the broadcast, beginning early next year, Austin InSight content will be posted online on the Austin PBS website, PBS Passport App, and YouTube channel, adapted for publication in newsletters and sharing on social media.

“In today’s media landscape, Austin PBS has a special opportunity as well as an obligation to provide our community more local journalism – analysis and storytelling about issues that matter, and showcasing the people and places that make Austin and central Texas so special,” said Luis Patiño, CEO, Austin PBS.

Combining original reporting and collaboration with leading local journalists, Austin PBS news content will address a wide range of topics, with a special emphasis on marginalized communities, as well as focusing on challenges to the democratic system.

“Consistent with our mission, we want to amplify the voices and concerns of underserved communities,” said Sara Robertson, chief content officer, Austin PBS. “Through engaging features on arts, culture, food and more, we also will highlight the unique beauty and creativity that surround us in the Austin area.”

The premiere show will include an election preview and a Halloween-appropriate feature on an unusual, albeit grisly, forensic science teaching facility at Texas State University. Future shows will examine issues including homelessness, school vouchers, women’s health, and include features on ‘Authentically Austin’ people and businesses, the 50th anniversary of Austin City Limits, noteworthy community heroes, and more.

About the Austin InSight co-hosts:

Danielle Banda is an experienced broadcast journalist, joining Austin PBS from KGBT-TV (CBS/NBC) in the Rio Grande Valley, where she served as a correspondent, anchor, and host of news and lifestyle programs. She has produced and hosted several lifestyle and entertainment programs airing in multiple Texas markets, as well as in California and northern Mexico. Banda’s career began in 2012 at KMBH-TV PBS 38 in Harlingen. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and earned a Master of Arts degree in contemporary communications from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Laura Laughead has been a news reporter and anchor at network affiliate television stations in Lubbock and Birmingham, Ala. She is a graduate of the University of Texas where she was named the Gene Burd Top Scholar in the journalism program and was a winner of college awards in the Lone Star Emmys. She has reported extensively on the film and entertainment industry, including in New York City during a full-time internship for Good Morning America. Laura is from Houston and was inspired by her mother's long career as a pioneering broadcast journalist in Texas. She is returning to Austin PBS where she began her career as an intern.

About Austin PBS:

Since 1962, Austin PBS has been a part of Central Texas, delivering programs that educate, entertain, and inspire. As the only locally owned and operated nonprofit public television station in Central Texas, Austin PBS uses its unique position to serve as a bridge to the community and provide essential services to 3 million potential viewers in more than 20 counties across the region.

Austin PBS broadcasts 35,000 hours of curated content across four channels, devoted to education, arts and culture, and news and public affairs. We also provide a safe space for kids to learn and grow through our Austin PBS KIDS 24/7 channel. The station is home to beloved, award-winning Austin PBS Original series such as Austin City Limits, Overheard with Evan Smith, Central Texas Gardener, and its new weekly news program, Austin InSight, which blends in-depth reporting, incisive interviews, and Austin PBS’s unique approach to storytelling in an expanded commitment to news and public affairs content.

Tune into Austin PBS through one of our 4 channels, or stream online with the PBS App. Become a member and receive Austin PBS Passport, which gives station supporters access to even more content online—binge entire series before they air or catch up on programs you may have missed.

Contact:
Austin Hegarty, Marketing Manager, Austin PBS
austin.hegarty@klru.org
787.707.3370