South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce the return of its nationally distributed, half-hour literary series under a new title, Books By The River. Previously known as By The River, the show continues its mission of spotlighting Southern literature and the writers who bring these stories to life. The upcoming season marks the first under the new title and features nine engaging episodes filled with insightful conversations between host Holly Jackson and celebrated Southern authors.
Filmed at ETV Lowcountry on the scenic banks of the Beaufort River, Books By The River provides an intimate setting for meaningful discussions with authors of historical fiction, Southern mysteries and cultural narratives. Through candid conversations, Jackson delves into the inspirations, challenges, and writing processes of her guests, offering a deep dive into the art of storytelling.
Below is a glimpse into national Season 1 episodes of Books By The River:
- Episode 101: Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier - Holly Jackson sits with Herb Frazier and Joseph McGill Jr. to profile "Sleeping with the Ancestors." Joseph discusses his experience traveling the country and spending the night in former slave dwellings. Herb describes his experience as a writer and the process he used to write the book.
- Episode 102: Mary Kay Andrews - Holly Jackson interviews Mary Kay Andrews about her book, "Summers at the Saint." Andrews shares insights into her creative process, which is inspired by small-town life, second chances and the power of reinvention.
- Episode 103: Kimberly Brock - Kimberly Brock joins host Holly Jackson to discuss her book "The Fabled Earth." In this conversation, Brock opens up about the inspirations behind her work and her creative writing process, as well as how she achieves success in her writing career. Plus, she shares her experience visiting the island that inspired the setting of the book.
- Episode 104: Leonard Pitts Jr.- Holly Jackson sits down with Leonard Pitts Jr. to discuss "54 Miles." Pitts shares his creative process behind writing the book and reveals the inspiration behind its central idea.
- Episode 105: Michael Farris Smith - Holly Jackson sits down with author Michael Farris Smith to discuss "Lay Your Armor Down." Smith's raw honesty and vivid storytelling capture the struggles of a generation grappling with trauma and the search for meaning.
- Episode 106: Rhonda McKnight - Holly Jackson chats with Rhonda McKnight to discuss "Bitter and Sweet" – a novel that weaves themes of healing, second chances and the power of vulnerability into a heartfelt, page-turning story.
- Episode 107: Tracey Enerson Wood - Holly Jackson sits down with author Tracey Enerson Wood to delve into "Katharine, the Wright Sister." This historical fiction highlights Katharine’s pivotal role in helping her brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, become aviation pioneers. Wood also shares her creative process behind the novel.
- Episode 108: Susan Boyer - Author Susan Boyer joins host Holly Jackson to talk about the inspiration for her novel, "The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club" – a heartwarming story about finding strength and joy in the company of true friends.
- Episode 109: Jeffrey Lofton - Jeffrey Lofton opens up to host Holly Jackson about his debut book, "Red Clay Suzie." Lofton offers a compelling and personal account of living as an openly gay individual with a disability, which serves as the loose foundation for the book.
Books By The River is created in partnership with the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). The program is produced and directed by Dr. Caroline E. Sawyer, associate professor of communication studies, and consists of a student crew of USCB Communication Studies students. The student crew for the new season includes Reilly Chiasera, Thayne Mina, Turner Owen, Jacob Ridenhour, Ha’Kam Fickling-River, Maria Saccani, Daphne Sallings, Tia Simmons and Tamiyah Whitlock. Since its debut in 2018, USCB students from various majors including Communication Studies, English, Media Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies, have worked on Books by the River.
Books By The River host Holly Jackson is the Director of Operations at ETV Lowcountry, one of SCETV’s four regional studios. A former local television news reporter and anchor, Jackson now uses that experience with the USCB students who conduct classes at the regional studio twice a week.
Jackson is a native of Bishopville, SC and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Throughout her career in journalism, Jackson has earned multiple awards and honors. She is a three-time recipient of the Radio Digital Television News Association’s Edward R. Murrow regional award for Excellence in Writing. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters recognized Jackson as Best News Reporter in 2018.
Premiering locally on ETV-HD on May 4 at 5 p.m., Books By The River will be distributed to public television stations nationwide by American Public Television (APT). Viewers outside South Carolina are encouraged to check their local listings for airtimes on their station. Additionally, episodes will be available for streaming on the PBS app and PBS.org.
A co-production by SCETV and USCB, production funding for Books By The River is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, South Carolina Humanities, Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands and OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at USC Beaufort.
More information on Books By The River as well as episodes from previous seasons of By The River can be found on the SCETV website.
QUOTES
“Books By The River exemplifies impactful, thought-provoking content by celebrating Southern storytelling and providing a platform for various voices in literature. The show’s new name reflects both its unique sense of place and the rich literary tradition it showcases, making it an even stronger representation of the stories and authors it highlights. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with USCB and look forward to sharing these engaging conversations with public television viewers across the nation.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Books By The River continues to shine a spotlight on the richness of Southern literature while providing an invaluable hands-on learning experience for USCB students. The evolution of the series under its new title reflects our ongoing commitment to storytelling that resonates with readers and viewers alike.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
“Having the opportunity to sit down with these incredible authors and explore their creative journeys is truly an honor. Books By The River not only celebrates literature but also fosters a deeper connection between storytellers and their audiences. I’m excited for viewers to experience the insightful and heartfelt conversations this season has to offer.” –Books By The River Host Holly Jackson
“Books By The River is more than just a literary series; it’s a collaboration between media professionals, dedicated students and talented authors. This season, our student production team has worked tirelessly to bring these stories to life, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts. We are excited for audiences to experience the new season under its refreshed title and continue this journey with us.” –Books By The River Producer and Director Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D.
FAST FACTS
- SCETV’s Books By The River, formerly known as By The River, continues to spotlight Southern authors and their stories.
- This first national season under the new name consists of nine episodes providing in-depth literary discussions in a picturesque coastal setting.
- The series is filmed at ETV Lowcountry on the scenic banks of the Beaufort River.
- Created in partnership with USCB, the crew for the show consists primarily of USCB Communication Studies students.
- As an APT-distributed series, Books By The River will also be available for streaming on the PBS app and PBS.org.
- Learn more about Books By The River on the SCETV website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About University of South Carolina Beaufort
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) responds to regional needs, draws upon regional strengths and prepares graduates to contribute locally, nationally and internationally with its focus on teaching, research and service. USCB is a public, comprehensive institution in the University of South Carolina system, offering Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines as well as select Master's degrees in response to regional demand through on-site and distance delivery methods. Serving a diverse population, USCB enriches the quality of life for students and area residents through artistic and cultural offerings, collaborations with regional, national and international partners and lifelong learning opportunities.
About American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Live From the Artists Den, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
