CEO MESSAGE

Do you consider yourself the average American?

Here is why I ask. According to a recent survey, Americans spend three hours and nine minutes each day streaming digital media, which adds up to more than 22 hours per week, pretty much a part-time job. I am not suggesting you cancel any of your streaming services, which by the way, 99% of all households pay for at least one or more streaming services each month; I am actually here to ask you to consider adding one more.

More than 36 million people watch their local PBS television stations each month and PBS Hawai‘i is humbled to serve our communities statewide in this capacity. We also understand the more flexible on-demand streaming options are the norm rather than the exception, with more than 15 million users watching content each month on PBS’s website and the free PBS App.

With the PBS App, you can stream PBS shows anytime and anywhere and livestream PBS Hawai‘i shows on your computer, smartphone, tablet or supported smart TV or TV streaming device.

When you download the PBS App, you can open the door to exclusive shows and films with PBS Passport. With a contribution of at least $5 a month to PBS Hawai‘i, you are not only supporting public media, you are eligible to be a PBS Passport member. That membership gives you extended access to a digital, on-demand library of more than 1,500 episodes of PBS programs, including Masterpiece favorites like All Creatures Great and Small and Sherlock, Antiques Roadshow, American Experience, American Masters, Nature, NOVA, Austin City Limits, films from Ken Burns, and cooking programs from Mary Berry.

PBS Hawai‘i is committed to enhancing our Passport communication with regular “Passport Picks” and “Binge Worthy” opportunities. We will also provide more tech support information in our Program Guide, monthly newsletter and on our website, including links to tutorial videos for assistance.

If you are interested in learning more, visit pbshawaii.org/passport and if you are already a PBS Passport member, we want to hear from you. What do you like about Passport? What more can we do to improve your experience? Please send us an email to [email protected] and share your thoughts. We are here to serve you.

With respect and aloha,

Ron Mizutani and the entire PBS Hawai‘i team