As a public television station and an agency of Oklahoma, it is our responsibility to reflect the stories of all communities and respond to current events. Following the murder of George Floyd and the many demonstrations taking place locally and nationally, we will be adjusting our June schedule with programs fostering racial understanding and healing.
“Right now, neighbors of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds are coming together to support people of color in their pursuit of justice. It is the mission and duty of OETA to respond to the needs of our neighbors—all our neighbors. My sincere hope is that Oklahomans tune in to educate themselves about America’s current situation, learn about effective and peaceful protest and how to be productive allies. I also want to assure OETA’s Black viewers that you are not alone and that we’re listening. If you have feedback on how OETA can better serve communities of color, please email info@oeta.tv.”
—Polly Anderson, Executive Director
Race Matters: America in Crisis | Friday, June 5 at 8:00 pm
The one-hour PBS NewsHour special will be anchored by managing editor Judy Woodruff with contributions from senior national correspondent Amna Nawaz, correspondent Yamiche Alcindor and special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault. “Race Matters: America in Crisis” will focus on the frustration pouring out onto American streets, outrage about police brutality, and America’s deep systemic racial disparities in the economy, education, criminal justice system and health care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will also include grassroots voices from around the country and roundtable conversations with thought leaders and other newsmakers.
The Talk - Race in America | Monday, June 8 at 9 pm
Correspondents will report from Minneapolis, Georgia, New York and elsewhere, and interviews from PBS NewsHour Weekend, Amanpour and Company and other PBS national and local programming will be included. More details are forthcoming.
America in Black and Blue 2020 | Monday, June 15 at 8:00 pm
Interviews with key leaders and participants in the struggle for racial justice, accountability and equity, as well as voices from law enforcement. As the latest crisis of police violence on black citizens—and outraged protests and ensuing violence—engulf the nation, this PBS special will bring context and insight. It will update reporting from the original “America in Black and Blue” which first aired in 2016.
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution | Monday, June 15 at 9 pm
This program takes a riveting look at an earlier era of conflict and how the Black Panthers provided community services while advocating for more radical national change.