IN THE COMMUNITY. FOR THE COMMUNITY. COVID-19
KENTUCKY LIFE – 25 YEARS ON THE ROAD
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, KET was quick to respond with
KET has been crisscrossing the Commonwealth for 25 years in search
comprehensive resources on air and online. For nearly two months
of fascinating people, places, scenery and stories on Kentucky Life. To
after Kentucky recorded its first cases, KET carried the governor’s daily
celebrate the milestone, the program’s three hosts, Byron Crawford, Dave
briefings and provided the feed for other media outlets. The weekly
Shuffett and Doug Flynn, came together to swap stories and take viewers
Coronavirus: A Kentucky Update offered in-depth, local coverage of the
on a special trip down memory lane to all corners of Kentucky.
virus and its impact on Kentuckians. Coronavirus: A KET Forum gathered trusted experts in the earliest days of the pandemic to share the latest information about COVID-19, discuss how state government and health care providers were preparing, and answer viewer questions. Families and COVID-19: A KET Forum brought together experts in education and health care to answer viewer questions facing the new challenge of working and learning at home. In addition, KET.org/ coronavirus was established as a destination for news and information, and KET.org/LearnAtHome was created for families and educators.
HEALTH Outside of COVID-19 coverage, KET produced a new documentary, Undiagnosed: The Diabetes Epidemic, and hosted a studio discussion with experts focused on reducing the incidence of diabetes among Kentucky’s citizens. Kentucky Health also enjoyed its 15th season – the last five produced by KET – and discussed topics like rural healthcare, colon cancer and cystic fibrosis.
KET FORUMS
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Preventing Youth Suicide, which won a 2020 Ohio Valley Chapter
Kentuckians count on KET’s public affairs programming to gain a greater
Regional Emmy Award, brought together leading mental health experts. On Prescription for Health, state medical and public health officials discussed ways to address some of Kentucky’s biggest health risks, including diabetes and smoking. Fostering Family provided an examination of the progress and challenges to Kentucky’s adoption and
understanding of the issues facing our state and the nation. Kentucky Tonight, Comment on Kentucky and Connections delivered weekly insight and analysis, while live legislative coverage and nightly recaps provided unparalleled access to the legislative process. This year, KET also updated its Legislative Coverage app to improve sharing capabilities and add a third
foster care system.
live video stream.
BIG FAMILY: THE STORY OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC
ARTS & CULTURE
This program, which was narrated by actor Ed Helms and aired on PBS
Great Conversations, recorded at the University of Louisville Kentucky
to a national audience, examined the history of bluegrass music from its
Author Forum, featured several notable interviews, including retired
humble origins to its current worldwide popularity. Traveling the globe
four-star Admiral James Stavridis. In addition, KET continued to
from Kentucky to Japan, the production featured dozens of musicians
showcase Kentucky’s history, heritage and vibrant arts scene on
who explain the ways bluegrass music transcends generational, cultural
Kentucky Life.
and geographic boundaries.
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REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
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