PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

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The latest news, analysis and reporting on the art and entertainment world. (Updated periodically)

PBS NewsHour


    • Oct 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 6m AVG DURATION
    • 900 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

    Ben Folds on taking a stand for artistic freedom after Trump’s Kennedy Center takeover

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 7:35


    Ben Folds’ piano-powered pop music earned him a cult following and made him one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. He also held an influential role in classical music as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra. Folds resigned after President Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center. Amna Nawaz spoke with him for our series, Art in Action, as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Jonathan Karl explores Trump’s focus on retribution in new book

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 7:37


    In his new book, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl offers a behind-the-scenes look at key moments on the 2024 campaign trail that ended one party's hold on the White House and brought another back to power. Geoff Bennett sat down with Karl to discuss "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Sudan’s cultural heritage becomes a casualty in its civil war

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 8:05


    Sudan’s civil war has become a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering scale, marked by famine, ethnic cleansing and sexual violence. Over three years, an estimated 150,000 people have been killed, and nearly 13 million have been forced from their homes. But the destruction of Sudan’s cultural heritage has drawn far less attention. Jeffrey Brown reports for our art and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Abby Phillip explores the political legacy of Jesse Jackson in ‘A Dream Deferred’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 8:00


    Rev. Jesse Jackson is a towering figure in the civil rights movement, but his political legacy is less often remembered. The issues he championed in the 1980s still echo in today’s politics, and his influence is the subject of Abby Phillip’s new book, "A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power." Geoff Bennett sat down with Phillip to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    A look at 50 years of the News Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 10:36


    The News Hour has been marking our own milestone this week, the 50th anniversary of this program. Stephanie Sy has a look at the program's beginnings, its evolution over the years and how our journalism has both grown and stayed consistent with the original ideas behind the broadcast. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir exposes abuse by powerful men

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 12:48


    A new book tells the story of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of many victims of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year. Her posthumous memoir explores her resilience while also revealing new details about the abuse she suffered at the hands of powerful figures. Amna Nawaz has that story. And a warning, this report includes accounts of sexual abuse and suicide. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Nicholas Sparks teams up with M. Night Shyamalan to co-author supernatural love story

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 8:04


    Nicholas Sparks, author of "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember," has built a career writing love stories that explore the resilience of the human heart. His latest novel, "Remain," was co-written with filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan and blends Sparks’s trademark romance with Shyamalan’s sense of mystery and the supernatural. Geoff Bennett sat down with Sparks to discuss the collaboration. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    In ‘Independent,’ Karine Jean-Pierre says the two-party system isn’t working

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 9:01


    Karine Jean-Pierre has spent most of her career as a Democrat, working on four presidential campaigns and serving in the Obama and Biden administrations. But her days as a member of the Democratic Party are over and that’s the focus of her new book, “Independent." Amna Nawaz sat down with Jean-Pierre to discuss the book and why she left the party. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Ai Weiwei’s ‘Camouflage’ art installation reflects on FDR’s Four Freedoms

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 7:58


    A public art initiative marking the 80th anniversary of the U.N. is inviting artists to examine the state of democracy and social justice. The first featured artist is Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei, whose blend of art and activism has long focused on human rights. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Former Justice Anthony Kennedy on political division and the state of the Supreme Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 10:27


    Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy served on the nation’s highest court for three decades. He was often described as the swing vote in landmark decisions from marriage equality to campaign finance. It’s a label he’s long resisted, even years after his 2018 retirement. He explained why when he sat down with Geoff Bennett to discuss his new memoir, "Life, Law & Liberty." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Documentary argues George Orwell’s greatest fears are materializing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2025 8:28


    George Orwell's writings warning of the dangers of totalitarian and authoritarian states gave the English language the term "Orwellian." A new documentary called "Orwell: 2+2=5” argues that Orwell's greatest fears are coming true. William Brangham talked with director Raoul Peck about his new film, which is in theaters nationwide. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Author and humanitarian Mitch Albom on love, hope and second chances

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 9:15


    Mitch Albom is a sports writer turned author turned benefactor who puts love and hope at the center of nearly everything he does. For our Weekend Spotlight series, John Yang meets up with Albom to talk about his latest book, his writing process and giving back. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter reunite on stage in Broadway’s ‘Waiting for Godot’

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 8:15


    It's a classic of theater that continues to be taken on by top actors and still resonates with audiences. “Waiting for Godot” mixes despair and comedy to raise questions about the meaning of life. Now, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, two actors who are great friends, are doing their waiting on Broadway. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Collection of Virginia Woolf’s lost stories published nearly 80 years after her death

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 5:39


    A remarkable literary discovery has thrilled readers of the late, great British writer Virginia Woolf. More than 80 years after her death, a new book has been published this week. It's a collection of three comic stories written eight years before her first novel appeared. Malcolm Brabant reports from England for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Ian McEwan’s ‘What We Can Know’ depicts life in a world ravaged by climate change

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 6:14


    Imagine the impact of climate change is irreversible, and decades of flooding, famine, pandemics and war have upended life on earth. That world is explored in Ian McEwan's new novel, “What We Can Know.” Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown sat down with the Booker Prize-winning novelist for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    A Brief But Spectacular take on building inclusive communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 3:19


    PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    The fight against book bans by public school librarians shown in new documentary

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 6:42


    According to a new report from PEN America, public schools across the U.S. saw more than 6,800 book bans in the 2024-25 school year. A new documentary, “The Librarians,” examines the experiences of school librarians who’ve found themselves on the front lines of a battle against censorship. Film director Kim Snyder and librarian Audrey Wilson-Youngblood join John Yang to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    How Bad Bunny is making history while celebrating Puerto Rican culture on the world stage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 7:03


    Global superstar and Grammy-winning singer Bad Bunny has been getting hotter and hotter lately. His celebrity reaches beyond the music industry, spanning generations and encompassing politics, Caribbean culture and Puerto Rican and Latin pride. John Yang speaks with Yale professor Albert Sergio Laguna about what makes Bad Bunny such a phenomenon. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Utah art project spotlights Great Salt Lake’s fragile future

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 7:53


    As the Great Salt Lake in Utah continues to dry up, the arts community has mobilized to lay bare the major ecological, economic and health stakes if the decline continues. The public art project, Wake the Great Salt Lake, aims to educate and inspire residents and visitors alike. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    How artists and musicians are responding to Trump’s 2nd term

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 9:20


    Rock legend Bruce Springsteen publicly blasted President Trump and his policies, saying “we’re living through particularly dangerous times." As Trump increasingly targets the arts, artists are faced with the question of whether to speak out or keep their heads down. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Jahri’s World creator reflects on why he makes music for neurodivergent kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2025 3:50


    In Jahri's World, quirky costumes and silly songs are designed to create a sensory oasis for neurodivergent children. The videos on TikTok have gone viral, racking up millions of views. John Yang speaks with the man behind the music, Jerry Turner, for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Scarlett Johansson on taking a role behind the camera to direct ‘Eleanor the Great’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 7:42


    Scarlett Johansson is known the world over for major roles in close to 40 films over the past three decades and is the highest-grossing lead actor in Hollywood. Johansson is now taking on a new role as director. Her debut film, “Eleanor the Great,” is now in theaters. Amna Nawaz sat down with the filmmaker to discuss this latest chapter in her career. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Citizen historians document Smithsonian exhibits under White House scrutiny

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 8:35


    The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. It's a public-private trust that has long operated at arm's length from the White House, but now finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny from the Trump administration. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Why some stations won’t air Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 6:22


    Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night less than a week after ABC suspended his show following his comments on the killing of Charlie Kirk. But two of the largest station ownership groups, Sinclair and Nexstar, say they won’t carry the program on their ABC affiliates. Kimmel’s suspension sparked protests and concerns about free speech. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Dylan Byers of Puck. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    In Detroit, a public garden thrives with help from an army of volunteers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 7:30


    As the end of summer nears, we visit a public garden in Michigan that evolves with the seasons, thanks to its meticulous design and an army of volunteer gardeners. John Yang reports from Detroit for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Music festival helps artists confront and manage the industry’s mental health impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 9:21


    The music industry, for all the glamour and excitement, can be grueling with tragic consequences. A 2024 MusiCares survey revealed that over 8% of respondents within the industry had serious thoughts of suicide, notably higher than the 5% rate among the general population. Jeffrey Brown reports on a festival focused on mental health in the music industry for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Archivist fired by Trump launches a national effort to strengthen democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 9:08


    Colleen Shogan made history when she became the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States in 2023. In February, President Trump fired her with no reason given. On Constitution Day, Shogan launched a national bipartisan effort called "More Perfect" to work on strengthening democracy. Amna Nawaz reports for our series, Art in Action, and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    A look at the life, career and activism of legendary actor Robert Redford

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 6:31


    Robert Redford, a screen legend, filmmaker, environmentalist and tireless champion of independent voices in cinema, died Tuesday at 89. Revered for his magnetic presence on screen in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting" and "All the President’s Men," Redford’s legacy is as much about art as it is about integrity. Jeffrey Brown has this remembrance. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Lisa Lawson explores the neuroscience of adolescence in ‘Thrive’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 6:16


    The Annie E. Casey Foundation is perhaps best known for its work helping America’s youth. Lisa Lawson, the president and CEO, has done extensive research into the development of teenagers. She joined Geoff Bennett to discuss her new book, "Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Comedians use laughter as a new tool for suicide prevention

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2025 5:05


    Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives in 2023 alone, according to the latest CDC data. One organization has found an unconventional tool to combat those grim numbers: laughter. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Brad Bonar Jr., founder of the 1 Degree of Separation suicide prevention program, for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    New archive in London celebrates David Bowie’s dazzling career and legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2025 2:51


    The chameleon of rock, David Bowie, left behind a profound and colorful legacy. We zoom to London, virtually, to visit the new home for the British star’s archive that just opened this weekend. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    ‘Downton Abbey’ creator Julian Fellowes reflects on beloved historical drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 8:20


    “Downton Abbey,” the beloved historical drama of charm and wit, is coming to an end. At its peak, it drew more than 13 million viewers — the most-watched drama in PBS history. It’s going out with some flair, with the movie “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” out in theaters now. Stephanie Sy speaks with show creator Julian Fellowes for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Retired accountant realizes lifelong dream of joining LSU’s marching band

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 6:51


    At 66 years old, Kent Broussard has proven it’s never too late to chase a dream. After retiring from a long career in accounting, he enrolled at Louisiana State University as a full-time student with one goal in mind: to finally earn his place in the famed Tiger Marching Band. Geoff Bennett speaks with Broussard about his journey for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    ‘The New Age of Sexism’ explores how misogyny is replicated in AI and emerging tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 7:34


    Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are already reshaping the world around us. But how are age-old inequalities showing up in this new digital frontier? In “The New Age of Sexism,” author and feminist activist Laura Bates explores the biases now being replicated everywhere from ChatGPT to the Metaverse. Amna Nawaz sat down with Bates to discuss more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Dan Brown on the mysteries and mayhem in his new thriller, ‘The Secret of Secrets’

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 8:29


    Mysteries and codes, religious rites and scientific formulas. That’s the world of Dan Brown’s thrillers, most famously "The Da Vinci Code," and his latest, "The Secret of Secrets." Secrets and codes are also part of Brown’s own life. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown discovered that during a visit to the author’s home in New Hampshire. It's for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Meet Khruangbin, the Texas trio at the forefront of a new music movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 7:15


    In today’s pop music, vocals reign supreme. The charts are dominated by singers and rappers, but there’s an increasingly popular genre focused on more instrumental music. William Brangham catches up with Khruangbin, a Grammy-nominated Texas trio and one of the bands at the forefront of this movement. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Remembering iconic designer Giorgio Armani and his lasting impact on fashion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 5:27


    The world of fashion has lost one of its greats. Italian designer Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91. He is credited with elevating a quintessentially Italian aesthetic in his clothes and making red carpet affairs cultural moments. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Robin Givhan, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic and former senior critic-at-large at The Washington Post. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    How Tiny Chef captured the internet’s heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 8:19


    He’s a little guy with a huge following online. Tiny Chef, the Instagram sensation who also happens to be animated, has gained millions of fans of all ages while whipping up vegetarian meals with a side of heart. Stephanie Sy reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Museum exhibit showcases the pets who have lived in the White House

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 5:20


    Since the nation’s founding, pets have played an essential role in the lives of many U.S. presidents. A new exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston tells the story of the pets that called the White House home. Special correspondent Jared Bowen takes us there for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    David Duchovny on his new book of poetry influenced by his life and career

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 6:57


    David Duchovny is known to audiences for his iconic roles in "Californication" and "The X-Files." He's now turning his attention to something more intimate: poems that wrestle with love, loss, memory and the passing of time. It’s a meditation on what it means to grow older, to look back and to wonder what still lies ahead. Geoff Bennett sat down with Duchovny to discuss his book, “About Time.” PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    New Hampshire arts groups face double budget blow as state slashes funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 7:50


    Cuts to the arts at the federal level have been in the news, but some states are also slashing their funding. In New Hampshire, the cultural sector generated some $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023, but arts groups there now face a potential double hit. Jeffrey Brown reports for the series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

    Rock The Rez brings musical empowerment and glam to Indigenous kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 6:06


    The benefits of music education for children are well-documented. It can boost mental health, enhance creativity and improve cognitive functioning. A summer camp program in South Dakota and Minnesota aims to bring all that and more to Indigenous girls and gender-diverse kids — with a little rock star treatment thrown in. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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