The Paley Center for Media Announces Its Latest PaleyImpact Program: Finding Common Ground through Storytelling: Ken Burns and PBS’s Paula Kerger in Conversation
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
This PaleyImpact Program is Made Possible by Generous Support from the
Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation
New York, NY, November 13, 2023 – The Paley Center for Media announced today the latest addition to its acclaimed PaleyImpact series Finding Common Ground through Storytelling: Ken Burns and PBS’s Paul Kerger in Conversation. This conversation between the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, PBS’s President and CEO Paula Kerger, and moderator Stephen Battaglio of the Los Angeles Times, will take place on Thursday, December 14 at 6:30 pm at The Paley Museum, located on 25 West 52 Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
As we approach fifty years of Ken Burns's unparalleled contributions to American history through his celebrated documentaries, this event promises to be a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate ways in which storytelling and media can foster a deeper understanding of American culture and history. The conversation will explore how to reach common ground among individuals with diverse perspectives, emphasizing the role of media as a unifying force in our society.
“In an age where history is easily misconstrued, its more crucial than ever to engage and educate the public on the events that have shaped our country. Time and again, Ken Burns and Paula Kerger and the team at PBS have shown how the power of compelling storytelling can bridge the divides within our nation,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s President & CEO. “We look forward to hosting this timely conversation and thank the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation for their continued and generous support.”
Ken Burns has been hailed as not only the preeminent documentarian of our time but also as one of the most influential filmmakers in history. Known for his groundbreaking works that include early classics like Brooklyn Bridge and The Civil War and more recent masterpieces like The U.S. and the Holocaust and most recently The American Buffalo, Ken Burns has consistently offered fresh perspectives on our collective past. His work has often reshaped the way we interpret history and reaffirmed the significance of storytelling in preserving our nation's cultural heritage in media.
Throughout his illustrious career, Burns has maintained a steadfast partnership with PBS, an organization that Paula Kerger has helped to transform into a dynamic multiplatform digital media entity. Together, Burns and Kerger have ushered in a new era for public television while remaining dedicated to its core mission of education, inspiration, and service to the American public.
The Paley Center’s PaleyImpact series explores how media influences attitudes, behaviors, and actions, as well as shapes public discourse on important social and cultural issues and includes the lauded series Media’s Role in Combating Antisemitism, which focuses on the growing crisis of antisemitism in society today.
This PaleyImpact program is made possible by generous support from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
Tickets for this program will go on sale today to Paley Center President’s Circle, Patron Circle, and Partner Members at noon ET; to Paley Individual, Family, and Supporting Members on Thursday, November 9 at noon ET; and to the general public on Friday, November 10 at noon ET. For more information and to learn more about the benefits of Paley Center Membership including ticket presale and discounts please visit paleycenter.org/membership.
Media Contacts:
Teresa Brady, Director of Communications, The Paley Center for Media
tbrady@paleycenter.org – 212.621.6757
Kate Alter, 5WPR
paleycenter@5wpr.com
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About The Paley Center for Media
The Paley Center for Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has proudly made its home in NYC for almost 50 years and operates the iconic Paley Museum. Through its respected programming, the Paley Center leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of media, drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the media community. The general public can participate in Paley programs in both New York and Los Angeles that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the talent, and the leaders who are shaping media. The public can also access the Paley Center's permanent media collection, The Paley Archive, often referred to as a national treasure, containing over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information about The Paley Center for Media, and to learn about the Paley Center’s acclaimed programming, please visit paleycenter.org