Ten dynamic women lead all of GBH’s national programs. Women’s History Month is the perfect time to sample some of their latest episodes and films, which capture the experiences, successes and ongoing challenges of women around the world. Throughout the year, GBH celebrates women’s vital role in our society and their achievements in history, science, culture, education and the arts. Learn more here.
Raney Aronson-Rath, Editor-in-Chief and Executive Producer, FRONTLINE
FRONTLINE’s films, shorts and podcasts cover the forces shaping society and culture — from war and technology, to health care and sexual harassment, to gun laws and human trafficking. On FRONTLINE, the experience of women around the world often takes center stage; in the 2022 FRONTLINE documentary Afghanistan Undercover, award-winning correspondent Ramita Navai investigated the Taliban's crackdown on women in Afghanistan.
Marsha Bemko, Executive Producer, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
Always on the quest for hidden treasures, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW travels the country and discovers finds of all kinds. In the special Women’s Work, viewers meet female athletes, artists, activists and more who left an indelible mark on the world around us through their thought-provoking objects and accomplishments. “Shining a spotlight on unsung female heroes, makers and influencers throughout history has been a focus across content I’ve produced,” said Bemko. “At ANTIQUES ROADSHOW we have shared powerful stories told through the items of intriguing women such as Native American civil rights activist Ruth Muskrat Bronson, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Mother Teresa and the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S., African American entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker.”
Liz Cheng, General Manager for Television and GBH WORLD
GBH WORLD showcases the struggles and success of girls and women of all identities with films like Girl Talk (which features the challenges of girls on the Newton South High School debate team) and hybrid events like The State of Race: Are Women of Color on the Rise? The stories seen and heard on America ReFramed, Local, USA, Doc World and Stories from the Stage tell of the hard-fought battles for gender equality and highlight the work ahead for the next generation. This year, Fannie Lou Hamer’s America: An America ReFramed Special won GBH WORLD’s first Best TV Feature Documentary Award from the International Documentary Association.
Julia Cort, Co-Executive Producer, NOVA
NOVA’s Picture a Scientist reveals that women make up less than a quarter of STEM professionals in the United States, with numbers even lower for women of color. The film follows researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists, exposing longstanding discrimination and leading the way in making science more inclusive. “Science and technology are so influential in all our lives, it’s essential that the scientific enterprise itself be inclusive and diverse,” said Cort. “Following the journeys of three remarkable researchers, Picture a Scientist uncovers biases that have too often stood in the way of women who pursue careers in science. We are so proud to be able to provide such an intimate window into the challenges and revelations of these stories, and we hope they can help lead to a better future for the culture of science.”
Laurie Donnelly, Executive Producer for GBH’s National Lifestyle Programming
No one serves it up with more grace and style than Lidia Bastianich as she travels across the U.S. exploring culture through food. “Professional kitchens have historically been dominated by men,” said Donnelly. “GBH’s lifestyle programming has for years made a commitment to placing talented women behind and in front of the camera. Several of our most popular series have women chefs as hosts — Alex Thomopoulos on Moveable Feast with Relish, Amy Traverso on Weekends with Yankee, Lidia Bastianich on Lidia’s Kitchen and Lidia Celebrates America and our latest addition Maria Loi on Life of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets.”
Cameo George, Executive Producer of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Women have and continue to accomplish wonders in science, technology, politics, sports and activism — often fighting against inequity and opposition at every turn. The Women in American History collection features films (including the recent Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space and the upcoming The Sun Queen), interviews, articles, image galleries and more for an in-depth look at notable female figures. “When we tell the stories of amazing women like Zora Neale Hurston and Dr. Mária Telkes, we affirm their place in and contributions to our collective national story,” said George. “Their stories, like those of so many other women, help contextualize the America we are today and the America we will be in the years to come.”
Dorothea Gillim, GBH Kids Creative Director and Executive Producer of Molly of Denali and Pinkalicous & Peterrific
Carol Greenwald, GBH Kids Executive Producer of Arthur and Creative Advisor
Lisa Jones, GBH Kids General Manager
GBH Kids produces trusted, award-winning children’s media that represents multiple perspectives, makes kids feel empowered and seen, while also encouraging them to be lifelong learners. None exemplifies this better than Molly of Denali, which follows the adventures of curious and resourceful 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl who lives in the fictional village of Qyah, Alaska. “It’s important for young children, especially girls, to see strong female characters on screen like Molly modeling literacy skills,” said Gillim. “Our female characters are also tackling math challenges, exploring scientific wonders and expressing themselves through the arts — and much more.”
Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer, MASTERPIECE
Whether it’s Sanditon or Miss Scarlet and The Duke, MASTERPIECE showcases dramas about women who forge their own destinies. The Iconic Women of MASTERPIECE collection delivers stories of remarkable leading ladies who rule countries, run household estates, solve crimes and defy conventions. “MASTERPIECE is proud of our legacy of putting the spotlight on strong, independent women who defy the odds,” says Simpson. “We will continue to present female characters who our audience can root for.”
