PBS' New Late-Night Debate & Humor Series POINT TAKEN to Premiere Today

Americans now can be a part of the national conversation with the launch of Point Taken , PBS' new, late-night, multi-platform series. Hosted by Carlos Watson, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-founder/CEO of OZY Media, the weekly debate series will champion spirited and civil conversation. Each half-hour program will focus on a single topic and feature journalists, artists, academics, and experts who will passionately and persuasively explore all sides of a key issue. The first of 10 episodes premieres on PBS on April 5, 2016 at 11 P.M. ET (check local listings). Watch promo HERE

Produced by WGBH Boston?s Studio Six, and made possible with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts, Point Taken will bring fresh and varied voices to the table to debate key issues facing Americans. Audiences will join the conversation, contributing each week through polling and social media. Participation is a core element of the series, and the public is invited to share views and find common ground through thoughtful dialogue. Watson will pose a single question each week, moderating the panelists? discussion with insight and humor.

Americans trust public media to explore issues that matter,? says Denise Dilanni, series creator and Senior Executive-in-Charge for WGBH. By tapping into social media we will involve citizens across the country in these important conversations.

Every day millions of Americans turn to PBS and local stations as trusted and balanced sources to cover the topics that matter most to them, said Marie Nelson, Vice President, News and Public Affairs, PBS. ?We are excited to add Point Taken to our roster of programming and provide a forum where everyday Americans can share and reconsider their personal viewpoints.

The Marist Institute for Public Opinion will conduct a national survey in advance of every episode to frame and inform the televised debate and the digital discourse. Episodes will air and stream within hours of taping at WGBHs studio. Viewpoints posted using #PointTakenPBS on Facebook and Twitter, as well as on PBS.org before and during each Tuesdays broadcast will be integrated and displayed as part of the program. Every online and in-studio vote can count?and the results will be tabulated in real-time. The conversation will continue online and on social media throughout the week.

"From this year's surprising presidential campaign to the Oscars controversy to evolving church and state boundaries, there could not be a better time to create a wide-open arena for curious people to come together and debate the critical issues facing this country," explains Carlos Watson, Point Taken?s host.

Grounded, persuasive and passionate Point Taken promises to be a winning candidate in the field of late-night TV for the digital age.

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