"" Walmart returns as major underwriter through 2015 ""

(BLACK PR WIRE) – LOS ANGELES, CA (November 14, 2013) – TAVIS SMILEY, which airs weeknights on PBS, has been renewed for two years, it was announced today by Beth Hoppe, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming. The extension will take TAVIS SMILEY, now in its 10th season, through 2015.

Entering its 11th season in January 2014, TAVIS SMILEY airs on approximately 97 percent of PBS stations in more than 200 markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. “I am excited to continue with such a strong broadcasting platform as PBS,” said Smiley. “My team and I are proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 10 seasons and look forward to bringing our loyal viewers more in-depth conversations as we head into the 11th season. I want to thank Walmart for its generous and long-standing support.” “TAVIS SMILEY continues to be an important asset for PBS,” said Hoppe. “Tavis and his colleagues produce shows that bring an intellectual richness to our audience with the mix of news and entertainment. Tavis’ tremendous curiosity, passion and understanding are clear in every interview he takes on – PBS is proud to be his television home.”

Walmart, which has funded TAVIS SMILEY throughout its 10 years on PBS, will continue to underwrite the series for these additional seasons. “We are proud to extend our relationship with Tavis, his team and PBS,” said Tony Rogers, Walmart’s Senior Vice President, Marketing. “Our long-term association is a testament to Tavis’ engaging interview style that has yielded thought-provoking and entertaining conversations with an eclectic group of newsmakers.”

TAVIS SMILEY has garnered acclaim for its balance of news and entertainment. Marking 20 years in broadcasting this year, the eponymous host has been included in the group of the “20 people changing how Americans get their news.” It was recently announced that he will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 24, 2014.

TAVIS SMILEY is produced by The Smiley Group, Inc./TS Media, Inc. Jacoba Atlas is the executive producer. Tavis Smiley is host and managing editor. Additional funding is provided by The California Endowment.

About Tavis Smiley
Tavis Smiley is host and managing editor of the nightly talk show TAVIS SMILEY on PBS, produced by TS Media, Inc., and the host of The Tavis Smiley Show and co-host of Smiley & West from Public Radio International (PRI), both produced by Smiley Radio Properties, Inc. Smiley is also the author/editor of 16 books, including New York Times best-sellers Covenant With Black America, What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America and his most recent, The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto. In 2009, TIME magazine named him one of the World’s 100 Most Influential People. 2013 marks his 10th season on PBS and is the inaugural year for the Tavis Smiley Network (TSN) on BlogTalkRadio. For more information, visit www.tavistalks.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TavisSmiley or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/TavisSmiley.

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 120 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

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