TCA: PBS to Air Week of Programming on Newtown Shootings

'After Newtown' specials run Feb. 18-22 on local stations

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/14/2013 8:07:49 PM

Complete Coverage: TCA Winter Press Tour 2013

PBS will air a series of specials devoted to the conversation on gun laws, mental illness and school security in the wake of the school shooting tragedy in Newtown, Conn., the network announced Monday at the Television Critics Association press tour.

After Newtown programming will air on PBS stations Feb. 18-22 including a related segment each night on PBS NewsHour. The documentary Guns in America on the history of guns in the U.S. airs Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. followed by the Frontline report "Raising Adam Lanza," about the shooter and his relationship with his mother at 10 p.m. (both repeat on Thursday, Feb. 21).

Nova's "Mind of a Rampage Killer," about violence and the brain airs the following night on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 9 p.m., followed by the documentary The Path to Violence, which tackles school security.

Washington Week with Gwen Ifill on Feb. 22 will feature an update on political action on gun control, preceding a Need to Know report about the ripple effects of a fatal shooting.

"This week of specials gives PBS the opportunity to take an in-depth and thoughtful look at the issues the Newtown tragedy laid bare," said Beth Hoppe, chief programming executive and general manager of General Audience Programming for PBS.  "As we mourn the lives lost in Newtown, it is important to present the facts, the science, and the history behind the issues to provide information and context as we collectively look at how better to protect and serve our communities."