PBS Launches Funding Initiative for Masterpiece

BOSTON: In honor of the 40th anniversary of the iconic drama series Masterpiece on PBS, a new funding initiative has been launched to ensure the program’s future success.

The Masterpiece Trust has already raised more than $200,000, with the goal to have 40 participants—one for each of the series’ 40 years—donate $25,000 or more during this year’s anniversary season. Supporters will receive on-screen recognition on at least three new Masterpiece programs, as a significant portion of the donation goes directly to the local PBS stations.

"Every day we hear from viewers who tell us that watching Masterpiece is a cherished Sunday night ritual," said executive producer Rebecca Eaton. "The Masterpiece Trust gives viewers who are passionate about the series an opportunity to ensure its future and to provide crucial funding to their local PBS stations."

At KPBS/San Diego, general manager Tom Karlo added, "We welcome the opportunity The Masterpiece Trust affords us to connect with select major philanthropists in our community who aspire to support our programs and engage with a series at the national level. The Trust is an innovative way to support this iconic series as well as help local stations strengthen their ties with major donors."

"The Masterpiece Trust represents a promising fund-raising model," commented PBS’ president, Paula Kerger. "In a time when PBS stations are trying to identify new sources of financial support, reaching out to philanthropists and families who feel a strong connection to a series like Masterpiece makes a lot of sense."