Television station Twin Cities PBS to broadcast documentary 'Broadcast Battles'

Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is set to premiere an original documentary titled "Broadcast Wars" on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. This compelling film offers a revealing look into the changing landscape of broadcast news from the 1960s to the 1980s, focusing on the rise of women broadcasters and reporters of colour, as well as the intense competition that redefined television journalism.

"Broadcast Wars" is part of TPT's "Minnesota Experience" history programming. The documentary features interviews with key players of the time, including Marcia Fluer, Don Shelby, Lou Harvin, Ron and Paul Magers, and others. Co-executive producer Cathy Wurzer notes that the battles for ratings in the Twin Cities during the media revolution were not just about the best newscast, but also about how stories of the community were told.

The film highlights the industry's critical shift towards inclusivity, featuring voices that had been historically underrepresented in newsrooms. Wurzer expresses excitement for audiences to see the impact these legendary figures had on both television and civic life.

The documentary delves into the golden era of Minnesota broadcast news, characterized by high-priced anchors, groundbreaking technology, and larger-than-life personalities. Stations like KSTP, WCCO, KMSP, and KARE competed for supremacy during this era, with millions of dollars in ad revenue at stake.

Anchors became local celebrities, and newsrooms experienced innovation, diversity, and competition during this time. Wurzer's conversations with her peers and predecessors reveal the highs and lows, including the mental health toll caused by the stress-filled ratings battles.

"Broadcast Wars" will be available as a two-hour film on TPT 2 and as a three-part streaming limited series on the PBS App. The documentary offers insights into how the innovations of that time set the stage for the way we consume news today. Wurzer notes that it's impossible to understand the Twin Cities broadcast story without acknowledging the barriers broken by women and reporters of colour, whose stories are at the heart of this documentary.

In conclusion, "Broadcast Wars" promises to be an enlightening journey through a pivotal era in the history of broadcast news in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of news media and the impact of diverse voices in shaping our understanding of the world.