Boston, Mass. (Feb 26, 2025) - GBH News, doubling down on its commitment to trusted local journalism, is launching new versions of longstanding programming as well as expanded reporting that connects the Commonwealth.
Basic Black, a groundbreaking interview program that began on GBH in 1968 as Say Brother, has been reimagined as GBH News Rooted , a multiplatform series that will go beyond TV broadcast to include radio and YouTube segments. Hosted by Paris Alston, GBH News Rooted centers communities of color through timely discussion of current events, elevating underrepresented voices, and highlighting joy in the Black experience. This new iteration of the longest-running weekly program on public television focusing on people of color was launched with the help of community listening sessions across Massachusetts.
GBH News Rooted segments can be found on the GBH News YouTube channel . Starting April 8, a half-hour television broadcast version of GBH News Rooted will air on GBH 2 on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., with repeats Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on GBH 44, and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. on GBH 2. A radio version of GBH News Rooted is slated to air on GBH 89.7, as well as CAI, the Cape and Islands radio station, later in the year.
GBH News is also bringing back a new multiplatform version of Greater Boston. The program is expected to launch later this year.
“Reinventing two of our longstanding, popular and impactful programs for the digital age will allow us to reach audiences in new ways and on demand,” said Dan Lothian, Editor in Chief of GBH News and The World. “We’re grateful to our community partners, content collaborators, and our journalists working together to ensure we remain a trusted source for local news and analysis.”
GBH News is also expanding its coverage of business and the media industry:
● Mark Herz, who has served as interim host for GBH News’ Morning Edition since October, has officially been named permanent host of the weekday news program. The show airs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on GBH 89.7 and streams at
gbhnews.org
.
● Tori Bedford has been named GBH News’ nightside news announcer and GBH News reporter, replacing Mary Blake, who retired this month after more than six years reporting for GBH News and nearly 40 years as a trusted name in Boston journalism.
● The Boston Business Journal joins GBH News’ Morning Edition to provide local business updates on Friday mornings in the 6 and 8 o’clock hours on GBH 89.7.
● Boston Public Radio, the most popular daytime talk show in the market, has added a weekly segment analyzing the media on Fridays at 1 p.m., during the show’s live broadcast at GBH’s Studio at the Boston Public Library, which is free and open to the public.
● And to better connect audiences with all of the media that GBH provides – from news and documentaries to music and events – GBH has launched a weekday email called
GBH Daily
.
The growth of GBH News’ programming comes at a time when ratings are strong and donations during radio pledge drives have surged. GBH’s winter pledge drive results were 12 percent higher than winter 2024, including many first-time members.
Ratings are also up. GBH 89.7’s audience grew 33 percent in adults 25-54 in the second half of the year, and 36 percent during GBH’s Morning Edition.
“GBH News is growing on many fronts – from our reporting and programs, to the number of people we’re reaching, to the support our community is giving us,” said Susan Goldberg, President and CEO of GBH. “It’s a positive trend for community-based, nonprofit media that remains free for all.”
About GBH
GBH is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories, and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture, and journalism. GBH is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, Arthur and Molly of Denali, and a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. GBH’s television channels include GBH 2, GBH 44, GBH Kids and national services GBH WORLD and Create. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Boston’s Local NPR; CRB Classical 99.5; CAI, the Cape and Islands radio station and as a partner to New England Public Media in Springfield. Dedicated to making media accessible to and representative of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to audience members who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. With PBS LearningMedia, GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide. GBH’s local programming includes Boston Public Radio, Greater Boston, Stories from the Stage,The Culture Show, GBH News Rooted, and High School Quiz Show. GBH has been recognized with hundreds of the nation’s premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards. Find more information at gbh.org.
