Sept/Oct 2023 Insider Newsletter

The American Buffalo, a new two-part, fourhour film, is the biography of an improbable, shaggy beast that has played an integral part in the history of North America. The series will take you on a journey spanning more than 10,000 years and across some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes. It traces the buffalo’s evolution, its significance to the Great Plains and most importantly its indivisible relationship with Indigenous people. Their sacred shared path spanned thousands of years but was almost completely wiped out over the course of less than 100 years.

American buffalo are large, imposing animals, with long dark-brown winter coats and lighter brown summer coats. Head-to-rump lengths can reach a maximum of 11 feet 6 inches for males and 9 feet 4 inches for females. Males are significantly heavier than females.

Buffalo coexisted with Indigenous people who relied on them for food, clothing, shelter and tools. The stories of Native people anchor the series and focus on a variety of Nations including the Kiowa, Pawnee, Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, Blackfeet and others. Also featured are interviews with leading Native American scholars, land experts and Tribal Nation members — George Horse Capture, Jr. (Aaniiih), Rosalyn LaPier (Blackfeet of Montana and Métis) and N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa).

Historian Rosalyn LaPier explains, “The film is really two different stories. It’s a story of Indigenous people and their relationship with the bison for thousands of years. And then the Europeans and Americans entered…that’s a completely different story. It’s really a story of utter destruction.”

The species became nearly extinct in the late 19th century. There was an estimated population of 30 million in the early 1800s, which began to decline with the lucrative buffalo robe trade, expanding westward settlements, diseases and drought. Over just a decade in the late 1800s, the number of bison decreased from 12 – 15 million to fewer than 1,000.

However, there were people determined to save the species. Buffalo were brought back by the work of diverse and unlikely individuals as well as more famous champions of the movement including William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and President Theodore Roosevelt, who created the first federal bison reserves in the West.

Today, there are approximately 350,000 buffalo in the U.S., and their numbers are increasing. The American Buffalo concludes with a look at some of the restoration efforts and the central role of the Tribal Nations in their return.

Premieres Monday, October 16 at 8 p.m. on SCETV.

Best-selling author and TV host Baratunde Thurston describes himself as being “all about exploring the outdoors that shapes us as Americans.” Season 2 of America Outdoors continues to follow him on his adventure-filled journeys to discover how nature influences the ways Americans work, play and interact out-of-doors.

This six-part series travels to Utah, Maine, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oregon and the Suwanee River running through Georgia and Florida. The show delves into growing evidence that links people’s wellness with being outside, how we are seeking outdoor experiences in the most unlikely places and new approaches to making the natural world more accessible to everyone.

“I love getting to experience this country through the lives of people deeply connected to nature,” Thurston said. “I’ve witnessed healing, transformation and plain old fun.”

Premieres Wednesday, September 6 at 8 p.m. on SCETV.

A Word from … the Executive Director

Dear ETV Endowment Member,

The United States is so diverse — with its varied geography, medley of foods, numerous languages and dialects and myriad cultures — that many people are only familiar with a small fraction of the scope and depth of our country’s rich character.

This fall’s programming allows you to explore the diversity that makes up the fabric of our great country. The American Buffalo, a film by Ken Burns, takes a look at the animal that was an integral part of the lives of Indigenous people for hundreds of years but faced extinction in the 19th century. Through Joy Harjo of Oklahoma’s Muscogee Creek Nation, you’ll meet Native Americans who are building today’s Indigenous communities in Native America season 2. You’ll also get to travel around the country with Baratunde

Thurston to experience the ways Americans work, play and interact with the outdoors.

There’s so much to learn about our country and her people, and SCETV and SC Public Radio provide the programs that make the experience enlightening and enjoyable. All of this is possible because of your ongoing support. Thank you!

Sincerely,

&

Cesar Chavez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW) labor union.

A Song for Cesar, presented by American Masters, traces the life and legacy of Chavez. Through interviews with Maya Angelou, Joan Baez, Carlos Santana and others, you’ll see how music and the arts were instrumental to the success of the movement he helped found, which changed the lives and mobilized thousands of farmworkers across the U.S.

Chavez started his life as a manual laborer and spent two years in the U.S. Navy before launching the NFWA in 1962. Later in the ’60s, he began organizing farmworker strikes, the most successful being the Delano grape strike. He emphasized nonviolent tactics including pickets and boycotts. He became a controversial figure who was both admired and disliked. Airs Friday, September 29 at 10 p.m. on SCETV.

Also airing on September 29 at 9 p.m.will be the 36th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards, which will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The awards celebrate the Latino community’s accomplishments, cultural pride and great promise.

FOUR NEW EPISODES...

SEASON 2

Native America season 2 presents four new hourlong episodes that feature contemporary Native Americans including leaders, innovators, filmmakers and artists who are building today’s Indigenous communities to create a better future.

The series is narrated by Joy Harjo of Oklahoma’s Muscogee Creek Nation — an internationally renowned poet, performer and writer who served three terms (2019 –2022) as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States.

Native America is built on the trust that comes from the unspoken understanding of shared experiences among Native producers and the people in tribal communities whose

stories are being told. It gives Indigenous people the freedom to express themselves in ways that truly represent their individual lives and commonality.

Each hour explores a core tenet of Native American heritage: the power of Indigenous design, how language and artistry fuel the soul, the diverse ways Native women lead and the resilience of the warrior spirit. The combination of contemporary personal experiences, examples of ongoing traditions from communities throughout the country and outstanding cinematography create an authenticity unique on television.

Airs Tuesday, October 24 at 9 p.m. on SCETV.

MASTERPIECE PRESENTS...

WORLD ON FIRE

SEASON 2

SEASON 2

The second season of Hotel Portofino includes six episodes that begin during the summer of 1927. The period drama is set at a villa in Lovran and the hotel, which is located on the Italian Riviera.

Season 2 follows the challenging life of hotel owner Bella Ainsworth who must now deal with the sudden appearance of her devious husband, Cecil. She must thwart his attempts to involve the hotel in his plans with local fascist dignitary Vincenzo Danioni.

is an

World on Fire is an emotionally gripping World War II drama that examines the intertwining fates of ordinary people in five countries as they are faced with the challenges of war that exist in their everyday lives.

As the story unfolds, Royal Air Force pilots are sent to destroy German bombers prowling the skies above Manchester, as rescue operations take place on the streets below. The true reality of war has arrived in Britain.

Season 2 will take you from the streets of Britain into occupied France, Nazi Germany

and the NorthAfrican desertwhe

and the North African desert, where British troops along with Indian Sappers and Australian Diggers struggle to adapt to a very different kind of combat.

Many of your favorite cast members will return including Lesley Manville as Robina, Jonah Hauer-King as Harry, Blake Harrison as Stan, Julia Brown as Lois and others. New cast members include Mark Bonnar as the mysterious Sir James Danemere, Gregg Sulkin as pilot David and Miriam Schiweck as German teenager Marga.

Premieres Sunday, October 15 at 9 p.m. on SCETV.

Bella has to choose whether to accept her husband back into her life or continue her growing friendship with charming architect Marco Bonacini. Bella and Cecil’s son, Lucian, wrestles with his marriage to Rose and his undeniable attraction for Constance March, while Alice Mays-Smith takes a risk with an inappropriate engagement.

Leading stars of the series include Natascha McElhone as Bella, Mark Umbers who plays Bella’s dangerous husband and Oliver Dench in the role of Lucian.

Premieres Sunday, October 15 at 8 p.m. on SCETV.

SCETV and SC Public Radio welcomes Adrienne Fairwell as President and CEO

In June, SCETV announced Adrienne Fairwell as the new President and CEO of South Carolina ETV and Public Radio. She returned to South Carolina from Arizona PBS where she had served as the General Manager since 2021. During her time at Arizona PBS, Fairwell led the completion of a comprehensive market study and the development and implementation of a three-year strategic plan. In addition, Fairwell restructured her executive team to capitalize on record revenue and membership growth and oversaw a restart of the station’s local production activities.

Prior to leading Arizona PBS, Fairwell served as SCETV’s Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Development. In addition to her experience in public media, Fairwell led marketing and communications efforts for the SC Dept. of Commerce, SC Dept. of Employment and Workforce and the SC Dept. of Revenue. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s degree in human resources development from Webster University. Fairwell returned to SCETV on August 17, 2023.

THE ETV ENDOWMENT WELCOMES THREE NEW STAFF MEMBERS

The ETV Endowment is pleased to welcome Janet Davis, Claire Ginther and Sara Ryan to our team.

Janet joined the staff as Development Associate in June. Her responsibilities include cultivating relationships with donors and helping raise funds for the programming on SCETV and SC Public Radio. Janet holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications from Winthrop University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix. Janet has two children.

Claire joined the Endowment in June as the Executive Assistant. She will also support the membership team in assisting donors on a daily basis. Claire has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Converse University. She is an active member of her church and enjoys spending time with her dog, Prince, playing piano, bike riding and reading.

Sara joined the ETV Endowment as a college intern in May of 2022 and started full-time in May of 2023. Sara graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communications from USC Upstate. As Membership Associate, she assists our members with thank-you gifts, SCETV Passport and updating donor information in our database.

time to get your show on the road… …

and make a plan!

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month and the perfect time to take advantage of the resources that the ETV Endowment has to help you get organized. Request your FREE Personal Estate Planning Guide and explore other resources, including the tools to help you make a will, set advance healthcare directives, establish financial power of attorney and more at www.etvendowment.org/estate or call 877-253-2092.

South Carolina ETV wins 21 Telly Awards

SCETV received a total of 21 Telly Awards — two Gold, eight Silver and 11 Bronze winners.

From the Sky, Coast to Coast won a Gold award for Television Craft – Aerial Cinematography, and Our Vanishing Americana won a Gold award for Television Craft – Editing.

Our Vanishing Americana won multiple Silver awards for categories including Directing, Videography/Cinematography and Documentary: Long Form and a Bronze award for Television General – History. By the River won two Silver awards as well as two Bronze awards for the episode “Anjali Enjeti.”

Other Bronze winners include From the Sky, How She Rolls season 2, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina

Congratulations to all our local winners!

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