Shelter Me Features Wagging Tails and Uplifting Success Stories, Tuesdays at 10 on Learn

Shelter Me is an entertaining and uplifting film series about shelter pets improving the lives of those who adopt them. Shelter Me will air on four consecutive Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on WSBE Learn, beginning December 9.

Hosted by actress Katherine Heigl, Shelter Me celebrates the human-animal bond with positive, uplifting stories about shelter pets and their new homes.

Every year, 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in America's shelters. Shelter Me focuses on the success stories to bring more people into the shelters to give these incredible animals a second chance.

The first film shows how shelter pets are helping our returning war veterans cope with PTSD. We go inside a women's prison, where inmates train shelter dogs to become service animals for people with disabilities. We also see the journey of two stray dogs, from the day they are picked up on the streets and brought to the shelter until the day they become a beloved family pet.

Shelter Me is about redemption, hope, helping others and making a difference.

Focusing on You: Results of Our First Focus Group

Focusing on You

We asked viewers to join us at Rhode Island PBS for a focus group to have a facilitated conversation about Rhode Island PBS's brand recognition and the station's value in our community.

We had a great turn-out and guests had a behind the scenes tour of A Lively Experiment. Below are some of the things they told us while at the Station. 

If you would like to be on the invitation list for our next Focus group, please call Diane at 401-222-3636 x 0. 

Why do you watch Rhode Island PBS?

Diversity, Arts and Entertainment. You see stuff you can't see anywhere else and it's free.  What could be better than that? Rhode Island PBS has enriched my life since I was like 5 years old.

I like it because there are things I can watch with my son that are not loaded with violence.

The programs just suit me. 

It's much, much different than commercial television and much better if you ask me.

How do you know that you are watching Rhode Island PBS?

I know that I am watching Rhode Island PBS because I see the bird logo in the right hand corner of my screen.

I don't know the difference between Rhode Island PBS and WGBH when I am watching.

I know that I am watching Rhode Island PBS because I don't have cable, and your station is the only PBS station that I can get free of charge.

Why do you watch Rhode Island PBS versus another PBS Station?

I like to watch programming in my state when I can to support the local businesses and stations.  However, I flip around to find the programming I want.

I'm for the little guy-for the smaller businesses, for the small stations and there are people out there, like me, who are going to support you.

What value does Rhode Island PBS bring to the community?

I'm interested in local programming.  It's about a sense of community and I learn more about Rhode Island.  You feel like you are part of something.  I'm not just saying that because I am here.

What do you know about the history and funding of Rhode Island PBS?

I don't know anything about it.

You are no longer getting as much money from the State of Rhode Island.

I like that you are now independent.

Where in the World is Wizbee?

Summer is here, and that means more outdoor activities with family and friends. WSBE Rhode Island PBS, your local public television station, invites you to take us with you where ever you go this summer.

You're probably asking yourself, 'How can I take my public TV station with me on vacation?'


It's easy, really - take Wizbee, the WSBE bird! And then tell us, "Where in the World is Wizbee?"


Wizbee, named for the station's call letters, WSBE, is ready to accompany you anywhere - to the beach, the park, the zoo, the museum, the backyard cook out - every where you are,  Wizbee's with you!


Simply print and cut out Wizbee, attach with tape or glue to a popsicle stick or tongue depressor, grab your camera, and Wizbee is ready for a little wing-flapping or to pose for a close-up. We promise Wizbee will be the perfect pal - quiet, polite, and patient... no air- or car-sickness, no drink stops or bathroom breaks, and you'll never hear that haunting back-seat question, 'Are we there yet?'  


We invite you to share with us Wizbee's adventures with you. Take a picture with Wizbee - don't forget to include yourself in the shot - and let us know, "Where in the World is Wizbee?" Hint: Wizbee is particularly fond of local Ocean State and Bay state locations but, hey, it's a big world - you decide! 


Wizbee will be out and about through Columbus Day, so feel free to update your fun as often as you'd like.  You can email your electronic pictures in jpeg format to us here. Please include your name, home city/town, and where in the world the picture was taken. A few sentences about Wizbee's and your experience are also welcome. : )


Follow this blog for updates about where Wizbee is spotted, and check us out on Facebook. Anywhere that's most convenient, post your pictures and "vacation log" of Wizbee's adventures. Imaginative pictures may be included in Wizbee's video scrapbook. You'll also be entered into random drawings throughout the summer for cool summer fun prizes. More details to follow... 

We give you the wings - how you fly is up to you! So, Where in the World is Wizbee?  Why, Wizbee's with you! From everyone at WSBE, your local public television station, have a fun and safe summer. 

Do your little ones love PBS Kids shows?

WSBE "Learn" More

The digital conversion earlier this year was rocky for some, and no sweat for others. But how ever you weathered the revolution, all of your local television stations emerged with new channel choices for your enjoyment. WSBE Rhode Island PBS, for example, broadcasts on two over-the-air channels: its main schedule on 36.1 (formerly known as analog "36"), and WSBE Learn on 36.2. Of course, those channel numbers are only meaningful to you if you watch TV over-the-air, but it's a pure, basic starting point. Cable and satellite TV services have WSBE all over the place channel number-wise. More on that - and a clear Finder's Guide - in an upcoming blog!

The prime time programming on WSBE Learn has evolved nicely since we first started broadcasting almost two years ago. (That's right, two years! But most of that was in obscurity until Cox finally picked up the channel in February.) As for the schedule itself, it's different from WSBE Rhode Island PBS - both in broadcast dates/times as well as content. Learn airs some series that are not broadcast on WSBE Rhode Island PBS: Austin City Limits, NewsHour, plus Tracks Ahead, Africa Trek, and From the Top at Carnegie Hall. Some main channel favorites are featured, of course, but on different days and at different times: American Experience, Scientific American Frontiers, P.O.V, Independent Lens, Great Performances, and a variety of How-To series from This Old House, to Everyday Edisons, to America's Test Kitchen, and more.

Visit www.ripbs.org and click TV SCHEDULE (your second option from the left on the menu under the welcome banner) for the schedules for both channels!

As always, your comments and questions are always welcome - post it here, or send an email to public @ the station Web site.

- LMR
Public Information Manager