Pressroom
Welcome to the WTTW Pressroom, your source for news and promotional materials from our studios.
2025
WTTW’s Chicago Tonight anchor Brandis Friedman hosts The State of Our City – a 90-minute live television and streaming town hall with questions from a studio audience of Chicago residents
Monday, February 3, 2025 | 5:30-7:00 pm
Monday, February 3, 2025 | 5:30-7:00 pm
2024
Watch on television on WTTW and WTTW Prime, and stream on the PBS app and wttw.com/watch
Monday, December 23, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on a tour of family traditions and the celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights
Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on a tour of family traditions and the celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights
Eight new stories uncovering the fascinating history, rich diversity, and breadth of human experience that shaped this great American city
In a series of documentaries and community conversations, WTTW explores the complicated reality asylum-seekers face
WTTW’s documentary about an AIDS activist and political cartoonist who waged war on city officials
Chicago Stories, Chicago Tonight, Firsthand, WTTW Food, and WTTW News Named Finalists
Host Geoffrey Baer and a team of super sleuths attempt to solve some of Chicago’s most baffling mysteries
WTTW explores homelessness in a documentary series; expert talks; text, audio, and visual journalism; and community conversations
2023
Host Geoffrey Baer tours more of Chicago’s most breathtaking sights to reveal the stories behind them
highlights the real people and stories across Chicago's communities
Chicago Tonight, FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison, The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago
CHICAGO STORIES, Ken Burns’ THE AMERICAN BUFFALO and new seasons of UNFORGOTTEN, WORLD ON FIRE, ANNIKA, NATURE, FRONTLINE, and NOVA
Eight new stories uncovering the fascinating history, rich diversity, and breadth of human experience that shaped this great American city
Dedicated Local News Coverage of Public Safety, Crime, and Violence in Chicago
for Excellence in WTTW News Content and Coverage, collaborations with ProPublica and South Side Weekly, FIRSTHAND and Chicago Stories series
Host Geoffrey Baer tours some of Chicago’s most breathtaking sights, and reveals the stories behind them
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.
The candidates for the office of Chicago mayor will participate in a live forum moderated by Chicago Tonight co-anchor Paris Schutz
WTTW explores re-entry in a documentary series, expert talks, text and visual journalism, and community discussions.
2022
Expanded digital coverage, investigative reporting, human interest stories, and community-driven dialogue across WTTW News
Chicago Stories: The Birth of Gospel, The Union Stockyards, Beyond Chicago from the Air; Producer Jay Shefsky Named to 2023 Silver Circle
Thursday, October 27, 7:00 pm CT
U.S. Senate Forum produced in partnership with WBEZ and Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Stories, Beyond Chicago from the Air, Jay’s Chicago
A new four-part special series from WTTW News exposing the harsh restrictions facing formerly incarcerated people. Monday, October 3-Thursday, October 6
In this fast-paced weekly series, host Geoffrey Baer activates the curiosity in all of us and makes you laugh along the way
Host Jay Shefsky tells captivating stories of city life
Six new stories uncovering the fascinating history, rich diversity, and breadth of human experience that shaped this great American city
WTTW explores segregation in Chicago in a documentary series, expert talks, text and visual journalism and community discussions
DIRECTV STREAM Customers Will Have Access to Educational and Inspiring Content from WTTW
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
A high-flying panoramic exploration of iconic landmarks and little-known treasures across and beyond Illinois
How a trailblazing woman sparked the improvisational theater movement and made Chicago the home of improv
The Latino Experience, POV: Landfall, and In Their Own Words: Pope Francis
are part of the July 2021 Lineup
are part of the July 2021 Lineup
A Capitol Fourth and Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away are part of the July 2021 Lineup
A documentary and website chronicle the life and career of the trailblazing Chicago investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and suffragist
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
WTTW explores intergenerational poverty in Chicago in a documentary series, reported stories, expert talks, and community discussions
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
and how Chicago area residents respond and rebuild
Tuesday, December 1 at 7:30 pm on WTTW
A new special narrated by Geoffrey Baer, filmed from above, explores Chicago and its history from a new and breathtaking perspective
How tensions around class and immigration affected the city’s response and revival
CHICAGO TONIGHT: LATINO VOICES; CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES
PEACE & JUSTICE: A WTTW News Special and Community Discussion, Documentaries, Music, and Children’s Programming
A Virtual Town Hall with Chicago/Illinois Journalism Students to launch on 6/1/20 on wttw.com
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
For a Summer Road Trip Through the Heart of America’s Fossil Country
CHICAGO TONIGHT correspondent/producer Paris Schutz reports live from Chicago neighborhoods highlighting community challenges and solutions
A new afternoon educational programming block for junior high and high school students
premieres on WTTW Prime on Monday, March 30
premieres on WTTW Prime on Monday, March 30
WTTW News producers mentor young media producers; video projects to be showcased on wttw.com/news and on Chicago Tonight
2019
Launches Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at wttw.com/firsthand
Friday, October 25 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease
Crain’s Chicago Business will contribute a nightly business report to WTTW’s Chicago Tonight
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.
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”
Hosted by Emily Graslie, Chief Curiosity Correspondent at the Field Museum and Creator of YouTube Series “The Brain Scoop”
Dedicated Slate of On-Air and Digital Content that Celebrates American Space Exploration
WTTW presents a new series of vignettes spotlighting some unsung heroes of Chicago theatre: the people who make it work
A new 60-minute documentary providing in-depth profiles of candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle
Host Marcus Kronforst explores the wild side of three American cities – Chicago, Miami, and Austin Wednesday, March 20 at wttw.com/urbannature
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
2018 VOTERS’ GUIDE TO THE GENERAL ELECTION at wttw.com/votersguide
and LIVE CANDIDATE FORUMS on CHICAGO TONIGHT
Season 18 Premieres Friday, October 26 at 8:00 pm on
WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease
WTTW11 and wttw.com/checkplease
Friday, October 5, 12, 26, and November 2 at 8:30 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/artdesignchicago
with new programming and associated digital content
September through November on WTTW11 and wttw.com/read
September through November on WTTW11 and wttw.com/read
wttw.com/read features extensive local content and exclusive features
10-episode weekly short-form digital series follows some of Chicago’s star chefs after they clock out of the kitchen
URBAN NATURE is the first digital series in WTTW history to be recognized
Premiering on WTTW11 and wttw.com/breitman on Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 pm
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
Host Michael Keaton Pays Tribute to the Beloved Children's Television Series That Turns 50 This Year
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
A one‐hour special on Friday, January 19 at 7:00 pm will mark JOEL WEISMAN’S final appearance as host
Thursday, November 16 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com and on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings)
Guests: Brian Culbertson, AVERY*Sunshine, Will Downing, and Roberto Fonseca
Year-long Initiative, My Neighborhood: Pilsen, A Trailblazing WTTW Project, Kicks-off with Intimate Documentary of City’s Triumphant Mexican-American Residents
Thursday, April 27, 7:00 pm on
WTTW11 and wttw.com/myneighborhood
WTTW11 and wttw.com/myneighborhood
Premiering Monday, March 20 at wttw.com/urbannature
With relevant content on WTTW11, WTTW Prime 11.2, WTTW World 11.3, and wttw.com
2016
New Episodes Feature Bad Company, Jon Secada, Blondie, Kenny Loggins, Old Dominion,
and a Rebroadcast of Regina Spektor: A Soundstage Special
and a Rebroadcast of Regina Spektor: A Soundstage Special
New Multicast Channel and Live Stream Will Support WTTW’s Mission to Reach All Chicago-Area Children with High-Quality Educational Content
The journalist will continue to cover the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield plus general assignment stories for the nightly show and website
New for Season 16: Guest-Reviewers to Share Exclusive Weekly “Confessionals”
Thursday, October 27 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com
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
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
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
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
New Episodes Feature Toby Keith, a George Harrison Tribute, Jason Isbell, and Jake Owen
Technology enables innovative partnership between WTTW and WBEZ
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
Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 9:00 pm & Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 6:00 pm on WTTW11
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
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
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
Wednesday, October 7 at 8:00 pm
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.
Taping at WTTW’s Grainger Studio on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 pm.
WFMT to welcome U.S. Supreme Court Justice RUTH BADER GINSBURG as Guest Host on Monday, September 21
Season-Long Series of Hands-On, Local Events Kicks Off on National Summer Learning Day: Friday, June 19
for regular appearances on the nightly newsmagazine beginning Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm on WTTW11 and on wttw.com
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
Launching Thursday, April 9, 2015 at wttw.com/foodphiles
New Documentary by David Grubin Focuses on Innovations in Medical Education at New York’s Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine
with candidates in the runoff election for Mayor of Chicago Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00 pm on WTTW11 and on wttw.com
will premiere on WTTW11 on Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 pm
Travel the Country to Meet Doctors and Healthcare Providers Improving the Health of Americans by Reinventing the Patient-Medical Caregiver Relationship
with candidates for Mayor of Chicago
Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 pm and on wttw.com
Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 pm and on wttw.com
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.
offers a variety of special holiday content for the whole family.
on interactive elements of Chicago Tonight U.S. Senate Candidate Forum
during live broadcast and stream on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm
during live broadcast and stream on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm
Friday, October 17 at 8:00 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com
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.
featuring candidates for state and federal office prior to the November 2014 general election.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 is American Graduate Day 2014 part of American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen a national stay-in-school initiative
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
The groundbreaking digital series, which premiered on YouTube, follows five local eighth graders through the competitive selective enrollment high school application process
Unique new 6-part independent travel series, hosted by Kira Hesser, takes a rare and whimsical look at life on islands without cars
Brackett will continue to contribute to WTTW’s nightly newsmagazine as a Special Correspondent
Award-winning local filmmaker Mike Leonard and Picture Show Films reveal how
a struggling Chicago church reinvented itself and revitalized a declining neighborhood
a struggling Chicago church reinvented itself and revitalized a declining neighborhood
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
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
at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 8:00 pm
Three episodes to be taped locally in July 2014 to air during the series’ 19th season in 2015
Premiering on YouTube on April 14, 2014; new episodes in nine-part series to be released weekly
Premieres on WTTW on Thursday, March 27 at 8:00 pm
From the producers of Check, Please!, new series to premiere on WTTW and wttw.com in April 2014
2013
Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm only on WTTW
Including the debut of new "Check, Please!" host Catherine De Orio and an innovative new special, "Chicago Time Machine," from Geoffrey Baer
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.
IHC funding to help with distribution of a school curriculum for "10 Buildings That Changed America"
After an extensive search, the popular restaurant review series will premiere its 13th season in October 2013 with new host Catherine De Orio.
For the second year, the Emmy-winning local restaurant review series helps to select 12 more “Pop-Up” eateries for the downtown food festival.
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
The popular restaurant review series seeks to connect viewers to foodie happenings around Chicagoland.
National airdate: Sunday, May 12, 2013, 10:00 pm ET, 9:00 pm CT
The Invisible Hand: Architect Thomas Beeby will premiere on WTTW on Thursday, March 21 at 8:00 pm.
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.
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
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).
WTTW to Launch Search for Replacement.
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
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.
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
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting to fund $7 million of start-up capital costs.
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.
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!
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.
The popular local restaurant review series helps to select 15 "Pop-Up" eateries for first-time slots at the festival.
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.
Actor Jeremy Irons to host "The British Are Coming" benefit performance featuring Davies, stage and screen actor Simon Callow and other talented performers.
WTTW’s recent documentary Architect Michael Graves: A Grand Tour has been recognized with a Silver Plaque from the 2012 Hugo Television Awards.
Architecture program to air nationally in early 2013.
Alfie Boe: Live from the Royal Festival Hall, London -- Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 8:00 pm.
Architect Michael Graves: A Grand Tour will premiere on WTTW on Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 pm.
"Graduating to the Big Screen" will take place on Monday, February 20 from 1-3 pm at ICE Theatres in Chicago.
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.
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
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.
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.
Grant to fund enhanced coverage of the Great Lakes region by WTTW's Chicago Tonight and PBS NewsHour.
Grant to fund public awareness initiative to combat the high school dropout crisis, including unique partnership with Free Spirit Media.
The story of the Catholic Church to be presented on public television this fall.
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).
Architect Robert A.M. Stern: Presence of the Past will premiere on WTTW on Thursday, March 24 at 8:00 pm.
Marked improvement in literacy, vocabulary, and basic computer skills seen in elementary school students testing this new interactive educational media game.
10 films to air in celebration of documentary studio's 45th Anniversary.
Saturday, February 12 at 7:00 pm in advance of its nationwide broadcast in March.
2010
Former WBBM Assistant News Director Don Dupree is named Director. Former At the Movies Executive Producer David Plummer will serve as Consultant.
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.
WordWorld Creators Release New Episodes for Fall 2010.
Medill graduate students can apply for 10-week paid internship on Chicago Tonight.
Also to appear in the station's new original documentary DuSable to Obama: Chicago's Black Metropolis.
