Retro Report on PBS

Retro Report on PBS is an innovative news magazine series that offers viewers a fresh perspective on current headlines by revisiting and investigating the historical context of the stories that shape our lives today. The series premiered in 2019 and firmly plants itself at the multidisciplinary intersection of journalism, history, and documentary storytelling, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the events of the past as they relate to the present.

The core idea behind Retro Report is that history often provides a vital context for understanding the complexities of current events. Fueled by this philosophy, the show meticulously investigates historical events that have a direct and indirect relevance to the most pressing issues of today's world. The purpose is not merely to feed nostalgia, but to provide a basis for deeper understanding, drawing lessons from the past to inform decisions about the future.

When you tune into a Retro Report episode, you can expect to see rigorous investigative journalism at its finest. The show’s team of journalists methodically delve into national and international stories that have made headlines in the recent past, scouring them for insights that might be missed in the fast-paced chaos of daily news cycles. They work with historians, witnesses, and other experts to unearth rarely-seen footage and first-hand accounts, enriching their narratives and bringing depth to the events they cover.

Each hour-long episode of Retro Report typically consists of two parts. The first part delves into a historical incident or an enduring issue from the past, connecting it to a current story. The second part uses satirical humor to shed light on public policy, debunk common myths, and demonstrate how misinformation can impact public opinion and societal norms. They do so by leveraging classic footage and humor, making complex issues more accessible through levity, without detracting from the gravity of the subjects at hand.

Retro Report on PBS covers a wide spectrum of topics that span across decades and continents. It provides a deeper exploration of pressing social issues, geography, world and U.S. history, science, politics, and much more. One episode might explore the profound impact of the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle disaster on the broader space program, while another might delve into the historical context of fake news, tracing its trails from the past into the present.

Retro Report also has a unique participatory element: it highly encourages viewer engagement, asking audiences to contribute their experiences and memories related to the issues discussed. This engagement not only provides different perspectives but also adds a more human, relatable dimension to the subjects covered.

Andy Borowitz, a respected comedian and writer famous for his satirical news column, "The Borowitz Report," is known for contributing a humorous, often irreverent, segment at the end of each episode, called "Now It All Makes Sense". Here he brings his signature wit and sharp observations to the proceedings, providing much-needed comic relief.

From large-scale societal transformations to famous criminal cases, artificial intelligence, technological innovations, and environmental crises, Retro Report on PBS touches different facets of modern day life and delivers much more than a trip down memory lane.

Retro Report on PBS is not just a "history show". It is a series that compels the audience to look back into the past to gain a better understanding of the present and to make informed decisions for the future. It successfully challenges viewers to think critically about the barrage of news they consume daily, debunking the misconception that stories are ever "over" once they fade from headlines. Indeed, Retro Report on PBS proves that our collective past is teeming with insights into the issues that matter today, making it a must-watch for history enthusiasts, news junkies, and curious viewers alike.