Statement from Clarence “C.C” Copeland, President & CEO of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, on the Passing of Beth Courtney

Longtime LPB Executive Director Beth Courtney Passes Away at Age of 81

 (LOUISIANA STATEWIDE ) "It is with profound sadness that the Louisiana Public Broadcasting family mourns the passing of Beth Courtney, our former President and CEO, who led this network with vision, grit, and an unshakable belief in the people of Louisiana. For nearly four decades, Beth was the heart and voice of LPB. She helped build a statewide network that brought our stories, culture, history, and civic life into homes across Louisiana. Under her leadership, LPB became a trusted source of educational programming, public affairs, and documentaries that captured Louisiana's spirit. Her influence extended well beyond our state, helping shape public broadcasting nationally. 

LPB series dedicates entire half-hour to Louisiana artists beginning October 23

LOUISIANA ART & ARTISTS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN SEASON PREMIERE OF ART ROCKS!

 (LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – October 15, 2026) – Louisiana artists, creative communities, and cultural traditions take center stage as Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) brings an expanded Louisiana focus to ART ROCKS! THE SERIES. The long-running series returns with all-new episodes Friday, October 23 at 8:00 PM, with the entire 30 minutes now dedicated exclusively to Louisiana art and artists.The new Louisiana-centered format introduces expanded segments that allow for more in-depth storytelling. The new Featured Artist segment creates a detailed portrait exploring not only the work of the artist, but also the personal journey and inspirations behind it. 

LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING HONORED WITH FOUR EMMY NOMINATIONS

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – October 13, 2026) – Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is proud to announce that it has received four nominations for the 2026 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards, recognizing excellence in LPB’s news coverage, news specials, and original programming.

The award-winning LPB series Behind the Glory returns for Season 4

AN ALL-NEW SEASON OF INSPIRING LOUISIANA SPORTS STORIES

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – October 1, 2026) – From athletes and coaches across the spectrum of sports to the writers and sports figures who chronicle their achievements, BEHIND THE GLORY from Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) takes viewers behind the stats and headlines to tell the stories of the people who have helped shape Louisiana’s remarkable sports legacy. Season 4 of this award-winning, original sports series premieres Thursday, October 8 at 8:45 PM, with a new episode each Thursday night through November 5. 

FRIENDS OF LPB ANNOUNCE NEW CLASS OF LOUISIANA LEGENDS, INCLUDING FIRST-EVER COMPANY HONOREE AND ITS FOUNDERS

LPB ANNOUNCES THE 2027 LOUISIANA LEGENDS HONOREES

(Louisiana – Statewide) - For thirty-seven years, Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting has celebrated the state’s best and brightest as Louisiana Legends. The 2027 honorees have distinguished themselves across an exceptional range of fields, including diplomacy, medicine, music, technology, energy, entrepreneurship, and sports innovation. This year also marks a historic first for Friends of LPB with the recognition of a company and its visionary founders, honoring the impact of Louisiana leadership in our state and beyond while inspiring future generations of leaders and innovators.

FOOTBALL. FAME. REDEMPTION.

LPB premieres original documentary, Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – Sept. 1, 2026) – A new documentary from Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) explores the remarkable rise, devastating fall, and ultimate redemption of one of Louisiana’s most iconic sports figures, Billy Cannon. CIRCLES: THE LIFE OF BILLY CANNON premieres on Monday, September 14 at 7:00 PM on LPB’s statewide network. WLAE-TV will simulcast the premiere in New Orleans at 7:00 PM, with WYES-TV airing the documentary at 9:00 PM.Every generation of LSU fans knows the play that made Billy Cannon a household name. On Halloween night in 1959, one electrifying punt return against Ole Miss made him a college football legend. But that unforgettable play was only the beginning of an extraordinary life marked by remarkable success, devastating failure, and ultimately redemption. 

LPB kicks off 2026 college football season with season premiere of game notes

GAME NOTES & POST GAME NOTES KICK OFF A NEW SEASON ON LPB

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – August 25, 2026) – Louisiana college football fans can catch highlights and analysis of their favorite teams, no matter who they root for or where they live. The weekly sports series GAME NOTES and POST GAME NOTES return for Season 2 on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) beginning Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 AM.

LPB Marks 10 years since the great flood of 2016

LSWI SPECIAL: THE GREAT FLOOD OF 2016

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – August 3, 2026) – Ten years after historic flooding devastated multiple parishes, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) revisits the stories of survival, resilience, and community support. The special also explores the changes made over the past decade that could help reduce the impact of future flooding. THE GREAT FLOOD OF 2016: 10 YEARS LATER premieres Friday, August 7, at 7:00 PM on LPB’s statewide network and WLAE-TV in New Orleans, and at 7:30 PM on WYES-TV, the PBS station serving New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. 

LPB premieres an all-new Louisiana Spotlight, Monday, July 27 at 8:00 PM

BUILDING BARRIERS: EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF LOUISIANA’S COAST

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – July 22, 2026) - For decades, large-scale sediment diversions were considered a cornerstone of Louisiana's coastal restoration strategy. But after years of debate, political opposition, and the cancellation of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the state's restoration priorities have begun to shift. Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) examines what that means for Louisiana’s coast with the premiere of LOUISIANA SPOTLIGHT: BUILDING BARRIERS airing Monday, July 27, at 8:00 PM on LPB’s statewide network and on WLAE-TV in New Orleans. 

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honors the Class of 2026 live from Natchitoches

LPB CELEBRATES LOUISIANA SPORTS LEGENDS

(Louisiana Statewide – June 22, 2026) – Louisiana sports legends take center stage when Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) presents this year’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony live from Natchitoches. The LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME: 2026 CELEBRATION premieres Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 PM on both LPB and WLAE-TV, bringing one of the state’s premier annual sports events to viewers across Louisiana. WYES-TV in New Orleans will also broadcast the program on Monday, July 6 at 9:00pm. Sports fans can begin the celebration early as LPB live streams the “Purple Carpet” pre-ceremony online at lpb.org and on the LPB YouTube channel beginning at 6:15 PM. 

NEW BROADCAST PREMIERING FRIDAY, JUNE 26 AT 8:00 PM

LPB HONORS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE STATE 

(Louisiana Statewide – June 18, 2026) – Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) brings the inspiring stories and achievements of seven Louisiana high school students to viewers in a new half-hour special, LOUISIANA YOUNG HEROES 2026. The program debuts Friday, June 26 at 8:00 PM on LPB’s statewide network and WLAE-TV in New Orleans. Viewers can also stream the program on demand following the broadcast premiere at lpb.org/heroes and on the LPB YouTube channel. 

The public is invited to a free screening & discussion

LPB CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250 WITH A NEW ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY RELEASE

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – June 9, 2026) –  A love for America shown through the lens of a camera; documentary photographer Carol Highsmith’s passion for both shines through in Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s (LPB) new original documentary, CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY. As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Louisiana audiences will be the first to see the film before its national release when LPB premieres the documentary on Monday, June 29 at 7:00 PM. Audiences can also experience the film on a big screen and meet Carol herself at a free community screening event planned for Wednesday, July 1 at 5:00 PM at the beautiful Louisiana Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. The screening is free, but registration is required as seating is limited. Visit www.lpb.org/capturingamerica to sign up. 

lpb proudly announces its role in the production of new pbs kids show

Louisiana Public Broadcasting Celebrates America’s 250th with New PBS KIDS Series “AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS” 

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – May 21, 2026) - As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is proud to announce its role in the production of AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS, a new live-action short-form series premiering May 22, 2026, on PBS KIDS.Produced by GBH Kids in coordination with 23 partnering PBS stations across the country—including LPB—the series is part of PBS’ “PBS KIDS Across America” initiative. AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS features 25 mini-documentaries showcasing kids from across the country sharing what is special about where they live, their hobbies and passions, and how they are making a positive impact in their local communities.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library teams up with lsu and lpb

LPB AND LSU STUDENTS PARTNER ON NEW PSA FOR DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – May 13, 2026) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Louisiana (DPIL), and students from LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication have partnered on a new public awareness campaign designed to help connect more Louisiana families with free books for young children, while giving students valuable real-world production experience.  

Live from the old state capital

 LPB TO BROADCAST 2026 LOUISIANA LEGENDS GALA LIVE 

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – April 27, 2026) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) will broadcast the 2026 Louisiana Legends Gala and Awards Ceremony live on Thursday, April 30 at 8:30 PM from the historic Louisiana Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.The awards program will be co-hosted by Dr. Robyn Merrick and John Denison. Presented by Friends of LPB, this annual event celebrates exceptional Louisianans whose contributions have shaped the cultural, civic, and economic life of the state. The honorees represent a range of fields including business, education, law, the arts, philanthropy, and sports. 

LPB documentary short premieres on HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel

 SHINING A NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S JAZZ ENSEMBLE 

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE - March 26, 2026) – The Southern University Jazz Ensemble is in the spotlight through a nationwide collaboration between Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) and Maryland Public Television (MPT). BAYOU MAGIC: THE ALVIN BATISTE JAZZ INSTITUTE is a new LPB documentary short that highlights the impact of the ensemble and the influence of its creator, jazz legend Alvin Batiste. The film is part of the national HBCU Week NOW project and is now available for streaming on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel.

Governor Jeff Landry will open the 2026 Legislative session

LPB Will Provide Live Coverage of the Governor's Opening Address

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – March 5, 2026) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) will provide live coverage of Governor Jeff Landry’s opening address to the Louisiana Legislature for the 2026 Regular Session on Monday, March 9 at 1:00pm. It will air statewide on LPB-HD, WLAE-TV & WYES-TV, the PBS station serving New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The address will also be streamed live on lpb.org and LPB’s YouTube channel. State lawmakers will convene in Baton Rouge to debate hundreds of proposed bills, including efforts to grant parishes more control over carbon capture projects and increased funding for the governor’s school voucher program. Governor Jeff Landry will begin the session by outlining his goals for the year. 

LPB Premieres New Documentary on a Small Fruit’s Big Impact

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – February 25, 2026) – In Louisiana, the strawberry is more than just a sweet treat. It is a fruit that helped shape an entire region of the state. Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) premieres the independent documentary THE LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00pm on LPB stations statewide.  From independent filmmaker and Hammond native Paul Catalanotto, explores the history of the crop, the farmers who sustain it, and the cultural traditions that have grown alongside it. From family farms to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, the program captures how agriculture, community, and heritage intersect in Tangipahoa Parish and beyond.  

LPB Premieres Statewide Travel Series LA64

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE - January 21, 2026) - For 50 years, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) has told the stories of the people, places, and traditions that make Louisiana unlike anywhere else. That storytelling tradition continues Monday, February 2 at 8:00pm with the premiere of LA64, a new LPB original weekly travel series exploring every corner of the state.The first season of LA64 features twelve episodes, each spotlighting a single Louisiana parish. Over a planned five-year run, the series will visit all 64 parishes, uncovering the culture, customs, cuisine, festivals, folklore, and hidden attractions that shape Louisiana’s identity. The series begins in Vermilion Parish and continues with episodes in Sabine, Jefferson, and St. Landry parishes throughout February.

Louisiana, Gálvez, And The American Revolution

(Statewide - Louisiana – January 20, 2026) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) has released a new educational collection on the American Revolution that is now available to educators, students, and families nationwide through PBS LearningMedia, highlighting the pivotal role Spanish Louisiana and Governor Bernardo de Gálvez played in America’s fight for independence.
 The collection, Louisiana’s Hidden History: Spanish Louisiana in the American Revolution, is available on PBS LearningMedia at lpb.pbslearningmedia.org. Educators, students, and families can access the materials by searching "Gálvez."

LPB Call for Nominations for Louisiana Young Heroes

(Statewide - Louisiana) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting announces the 2026 Louisiana Young Heroes program and the statewide call for nominations of students to be recognized as Louisiana Young Heroes. A Young Hero is defined as an exceptional individual who has excelled in academics, given significantly of themselves through public service, overcome adversity, exhibited extraordinary heroism, or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character to become better students, persons, and citizens. Parents, principals, teachers, guidance counselors, family members, and friends who know of high school students deserving of recognition for their tenacity, good work and commendable deeds, are encouraged to nominate them!

FRENCH MOVIES RETURN WITH A NEW SEASON OF CINÉMA FRANÇAIS ON LPB

(Louisiana Statewide – January 8, 2026) – Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s (LPB) mission to showcase our state’s unique culture and history includes our ongoing showcase of French heritage and language. We are happy to announce the return of LPB Presents: Cinéma Français – a late-night exploration of classic French films. 

PBS News Special Report: Presidential Address

(Louisiana Statewide - December 17, 2025) President Donald Trump is expected to address the nation tonight (12/17/25) at 8:00pm.

Season's End of Game Notes

(Louisiana Statewide - December 15, 2025) – From bowl matchups featuring Louisiana programs to conversations with college football coaches across the state, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) presents GAME NOTES – 2025 SPECIAL WRAP-UP EDITION, airing Friday, December 19 at 8:00 p.m. on LPB’s statewide network. 

The special features season recaps and forward-looking discussion with Northwestern State University Head Coach Blaine McCorkle, Nicholls State University Head Coach Tommy Rybacki, Southeastern Louisiana University Head Coach Frank Scelfo, University of Louisiana Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, and University of Louisiana at Monroe Head Coach Bryant Vincent.

LPB Welcomes Christina Jensen

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – Nov. 6, 2025) – Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is pleased to welcome Christina Jensen as anchor, reporter, and producer for the long-running news and public affairs program, Louisiana: The State We’re In. A seasoned journalist with a passion for storytelling that connects communities, Jensen brings a wealth of experience and energy to LPB’s flagship series.

LPB Celebrates Fifty Years

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – Sept. 3, 2025) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is celebrating fifty years of service with a statewide slate of special programming and archival content honoring Louisiana’s rich history, vibrant culture, and extraordinary people. The anniversary festivities kick off on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with an evening of viewer-favorite documentaries and an exclusive first look at LPB’s newest production.

LPB Explores Katrina 20 Years Later in a Louisiana: The State We’re In Special

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – August 26, 2025) - Twenty years have passed since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, forever changing the lives and landscape of Louisiana—especially in New Orleans. In KATRINA 20 – A LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN SPECIAL, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) revisits the storm’s enduring impact through the voices of those who lived it, while also looking ahead to the lessons learned and the changes still unfolding.

LPB Responds to Congressional Passage of Rescissions Bill

This week, Congress passed a rescissions bill that eliminates previously approved federal funding for public broadcasting. For Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), that means a loss of $2.4 million in annual support, funding that helps us deliver trusted children’s programs, maintain vital emergency communications infrastructure, and create and share stories and documentaries that define our state.

While this setback is serious, it is not insurmountable.

Statement from Louisiana Public Broadcasting Regarding the Passing of Dorothea Wilson

Dorothea Wilson joined the LPB news team as co-anchor and reporter for Louisiana: The State We're In in September of 2024. Originally from the West Bank of New Orleans, Dorothea's journalism career took her north to Monroe, Louisiana and then to Little Rock, Arkansas, before her interest in being closer to family and an opportunity at LPB brought her back home to South Louisiana. When she began at LPB, Dorothea remarked, “I remembered all the shows that I grew up watching on PBS and wanted to be a part of the mission and vision of the network and to share compelling stories about our great state.”

Dorothea Wilson, co-anchor and reporter for Louisiana: The State We're In (SWI), and beloved member of the LPB family, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 26.

LPB Kicks off the season with Series Premiere of Game Notes!

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – AUGUST 19, 2025) – Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is making a bold play this fall with the premiere with its new weekly sports series, GAME NOTES. Celebrating Louisiana’s unmatched passion for college football, the series spotlights eleven teams from six conferences across the state.

The season kicks off with a Fall Preview Special on Thursday, August 21 at 7:00pm. Regular coverage begins with the weekly GAME NOTES program on Saturday, August 30 at 10:00am and the POST GAME NOTES wrap-up on Sunday, August 31 at 6:00pm continuing throughout the football season.

Friends of LPB Honors Six Louisiana Legends at 2025 Awards Gala

The 2025 Louisiana Legends Gala began with a cocktail reception in the rotunda of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, followed by an elegant dinner in the Senate Chamber. Guests then participated in a live auction featuring some of the most sought-after items from the Louisiana Legends online auction. LPB President and CEO, Clarence "C.C" Copeland, expressed gratitude to the bidders, sponsors, and Friends of LPB members, highlighting that every dollar raised directly supports meaningful change—demonstrating the strength and passion of the Louisiana community.
The Gala continued with the Louisiana Legends Awards Ceremony that was broadcast live statewide from the Old State Capitol's House Chamber. 

LPB Honors Six Students as Young Heroes

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is honoring six high school students from around the state as Louisiana Young Heroes. These outstanding students have been role models within their local communities and join over 230 past honorees who have received this award since 1996.

The 2025 Louisiana Young Heroes are:
Jessica Anderson of Youngsville
Gabrielle “Gabby” Essex of Natchitoches
Mateo Guerrero of Bossier City
Jared Lane of St. Francisville
William Matthews of Baton Rouge
Ja’Nika Stanley of Baton Rouge