ITVS Takes Stake in New PBS Mini-Series on Religion

SAN FRANCISCO, December 14: The Independent Television
Service (ITVS) has made a significant investment in the four-part religion
documentary series The Calling, to be
broadcast in 2009 on PBS.

The Calling is a
4×1-hour exploration of faith in the U.S., centered on Americans who have
chosen to become religious leaders. While examining the spiritual leadership of
these Muslims, Catholics, Evangelical Christians and Jews, the mini-series will
also probe deeper into the balance they must strike between their personal and
professional lives, religious convictions and responsibilities.

ITVS joins in funding the program with the Program Challenge
Fund from the CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting) and PBS (Public
Broadcasting Service), among others.

"Religion is a big part of life for most Americans, and
our support for The Calling is on
mission for ITVS as we work to bring the best in diverse stories from
independent producers to public television," said Sally Jo Fifer, the
president and CEO of ITVS. "Independent filmmakers tell the stories that
chronicle our national life and help us all to better understand each other and
ourselves. The Calling promises
to do just that; ITVS is proud to be supporting this extraordinary
project."

"Viewers turn to PBS for programs that enlarge their
world and deepen their understanding," said John F. Wilson, PBS’s senior
VP and chief TV programming executive. "The Calling follows the stories of several individuals whose
religious faith informs all aspects of their daily lives, a fascinating journey
that is both intensely personal and highly public as they lead their respective
congregations."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski