Image: BIG BLUE LIVE, Humpback whale breaching just offshore of the Monterey Bay Aquarium (credit: courtesy of © 2010 - Richard Ryan)

Live Natural History Production is a First for PBS

Airs on PBS August 31, September 1 and 2, 2015, from 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

with 2nd Live Feed to the West Coast at 8:00 p.m. PT

ARLINGTON, VA; MAY 7, 2015 – Leading public service broadcasters BBC and PBS announced today a live television and multimedia event, BIG BLUE LIVE. Scientists, filmmakers and photographers, animal behaviorists and other experts will come together for two amazing live weeks in late August and early September to document the extraordinary rejuvenation of the once endangered and now thriving ecosystem of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in California. Some of the world’s most charismatic marine creatures – humpback whales, blue whales, sea lions, dolphins, elephant seals, sea otters, great white sharks, shearwaters, and brown pelicans – convene in this once-a-year confluence.

BIG BLUE LIVE airs live on PBS over three nights, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2015, at 8:00- 9:00 p.m. ET, with another live feed to the West Coast at 8:00-9:00 p.m. PT. In both feeds, as well as streaming online and in social media, viewers can watch one of nature’s great “reality” shows delivered through state-of-the-art filming technologies and live reports from air, sea, and below the waves. The multi-platform event will be anchored by four on-air correspondents from a reporting hub at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and from aboard NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries' research vessels. Leading scientists and other experts will provide additional insights. The week prior to the PBS broadcast, BBC will air its live broadcast in the UK, and will be streaming online and through social media for UK viewers.

The on-air correspondents include Dr. M Sanjayan, the host of EARTH A New Wild, recently on PBS, and currently the senior scientist at Conservation International; Liz Bonnin, a science broadcast journalist based in the UK known for her work on the BBC science programs BANG GOES THE THEORY and STARGAZING LIVE; Dr. Joy Reidenberg, the host of SEX IN THE WILD, recently on PBS, and a comparative anatomist with expertise in marine mammals, will be on location as a primary science contributor, providing insight into the anatomy of the wide range of marine life that populates Monterey Bay; Steve Backshall, an award-winning naturalist, writer and TV anchor known for his work on BBC’s DEADLY 60. Matt Baker, a UK-based news anchor known best for his work on THE ONE SHOW, a daily magazine program airing on BBC will appear on the BBC live broadcast. Leading scientists and other experts will provide additional insights on different aspects of marine life and ecology.

The series will have multi-platform support from digital and social media, as well as from PBS Learning Media and local PBS stations.

BIG BLUE LIVE is part of the new multi-title co-production deal between PBS, BBC, and BBC Worldwide North America announced earlier this year. The partnership provides a pipeline of high-quality entertaining factual programs that PBS and BBC audiences have come to expect.

“PBS continues to break new ground in science and nature programming with BIG BLUE LIVE, said Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS. “Through TV and other PBS platforms, viewers can experience and participate in the drama of the ultimate reality show as it unfolds in the natural world.”

“The prospect of getting such privileged access to this ocean phenomenon and bringing it to viewers live on BBC One and PBS is exciting and humbling,” said Natalie Humphreys, BBC Controller, Factual and Daytime Production. “We’ve gathered an extraordinary team, on and off screen, to take us deep into the lives of a host of animals, from sea otters to humpback whales and we’re thrilled to co-producing this event.”

“The BBC has been at the forefront of innovative nature programming for decades. With BIG BLUE LIVE, we are at the epicenter of scientific research, providing a real-time adventure for viewers,” said Matt Forde, EVP Sales and Co-Productions, BBC Worldwide North America. “Converging entertainment and science, this dive into Monterey Bay’s extraordinary ecosystem will inspire audience of all ages.”

BIG BLUE LIVE, 3x60’, a BBC production with PBS distributed by BBC Worldwide, will be Executive Produced by James Honeyborne and Series Produced by Adam White for the BBC’s Natural History Unit. Vice President of Programming and Development Bill Gardner and Sr. Director of Programming and Development Bill Margol will oversee the project for PBS.

About PBS

PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS PressRoom on Twitter.

About BBC

The BBC has an unrivalled global reputation for the factual content it produces across arts, history, documentaries and natural history, and broadcasts some 7,000 hours of high-quality, distinctive factual programs a year on television. The BBC is recognized as an industry leader in terms of innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of its productions, delivered to our audience by the most engaging and inspirational experts.

– PBS –

For additional information, photos, interviews and more, contact:

Carrie Johnson/Ellen Stanley Booth, PBS

cjohnson@pbs.org; 703-739-5129

esbooth@pbs.org; 703-739-5120

Deborah Schonfeld/Jennifer Marcus, BBC Worldwide North America

Deborah.schonfeld@bbc.com; 212-705-9498

Jennifer.marcus@bbc.com; 212-705-9550

For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.