LPB: Broadcasting Hope

During this uncertain time, knowledge is power. And that’s exactly what LPB is aiming to do for our community - equip us with the information and resources needed to stay up-to-date with the latest news and findings regarding COVID-19.

LPB is providing a live pool feed for all daily emergency briefings and press conferences from the Louisiana Governor’s Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness (GOHSEP) for all television and radio broadcasters, commercial and public, across the state and nation. LPB is carrying the briefings live on their network of six public television stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Monroe, and as their public television affiliates in New Orleans, the LPB YouTubeTV channel and LPB’s digital platforms.

On March 23, LPB produced and broadcasted statewide COVID-19: Louisiana’s Response, with Governor John Bel Edwards and state health, business and education officials to give a status update on Louisiana’s response to the crisis. The program was also simulcast by public radio and commercial broadcasters across Louisiana and on all LPB digital platforms. LPB solicited and received more than 3,000 viewer questions, some of which were answered live on the air.

In April, LPB had a similar broadcast in a special edition of its Louisiana Public Square series entitled “Pulse of a Pandemic” to help bring clarity and calm in an hourlong segment to answer questions about the status of the epidemic in the state, financial assistance for those in need and economic concerns moving forward. Governor John Bel Edwards and a panel of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation and other experts joined together to answer live survey and text questions on the issues the community most wanted addressed.

Additionally, LPB is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Education to deliver Learning @ Home, a compilation of educational content and resources for teachers and families around the state, many of whom have limited or no internet access. Offerings include tips for distance learning, a free “Bright by Text” parenting tip text messaging service, LPB Learning Media and Discovery Education for educators, videos, games, printables, apps and more! Check out LPB’s kids’ broadcast and programming schedule here.