SCETV continues role as U.S. INPUT Secretariat
Nine films from the United States will be screened at the 2026 International Public Television (INPUT) Conference held May 4–7 in Bogotá, Colombia. Hosted by the Capital District of Bogotá, the annual conference gathers public media professionals from around the world to share innovative programming and engage in in-depth discussions on the craft, impact and purpose of public broadcasting.
INPUT remains the only international conference that centers specifically on the creative output and public service mission of public media. Unlike markets or festivals, INPUT is a non-commercial event where public broadcasters and independent producers screen their work for peer critique and dialogue. It is designed to open global channels of communication and promote the exchange of ideas, perspectives and techniques in public service media.
This year, nine outstanding United States productions were selected based on their originality, relevance and bold storytelling approaches:
- Wild Card with Rachel Martin | Matthew McConaughey doesn't want to be a nice guy, NPR
- The Bitter Pill, POV
- Life After, ITVS
- TVFilm 1702 | Dissolution, WMHT
- Skin of Glass, ITVS
- Igualada: Refusing to Know Your Place, POV
- 2000 Meters to Andriivka, WGBH
- BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play, WGBH
- Classroom 4, POV
Each selected film is screened alongside a key individual involved in the production such as the director, producer or commissioning editor and followed by a professional discussion. These sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to reflect on new trends and evolving storytelling strategies in public media worldwide.
Since 1984, South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) has served as the U.S. INPUT Secretariat, managing the submission and selection process for American public media producers. As Secretariat, SCETV supports United States participation in this vital international dialogue and remains committed to elevating American voices in public broadcasting.
Thanks to the support of the U.S. INPUT office at SCETV and the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, an American producer received travel assistance to attend this year’s conference. Brenda Bowyer from PBS Michiana has been awarded the 2026 INPUT Producer Fellowship.
To learn more about U.S. INPUT and the 2026 INPUT conference, visit the SCETV website.
QUOTES
“INPUT continues to provide a unique space where public media creators from around the world can share their work, engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the evolving role of storytelling in public media. The selection of these nine U.S. productions reflects the strength, originality and relevance of American public broadcasting today. As the U.S. INPUT Secretariat, SCETV is proud to support this international exchange and to help ensure that diverse perspectives and innovative approaches are part of the global conversation.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“We’re honored to have nine films from the United States selected for INPUT in Bogotá, reflecting the creativity, innovation and public service mission at the heart of this work. These projects highlight a range of storytelling approaches while exploring complex, timely issues with depth and care. INPUT provides a unique space for global collaboration and dialogue, and we’re proud to contribute to this international exchange that strengthens public media worldwide.” –SCETV Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations and U.S. INPUT National Coordinator Tabitha Safdi
FAST FACTS
- The 2026 INPUT Conference takes place May 4–7 in Bogotá, Colombia.
- INPUT is the only global conference dedicated solely to public media programming.
- Nine U.S. films will be featured in 2026, selected for their creativity and global relevance.
- SCETV has served as the U.S. INPUT Secretariat since 1984.
- Brenda Bowyer (PBS Michiana) received a fellowship to attend the 2026 INPUT Conference.
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, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About INPUT
In 1977, the Rockefeller Foundation brought together in Bellagio, Italy, a group of concerned public service broadcasters from ten European and North American countries. Not satisfied with the images carried across national borders by the popular entertainment programs, the group sought a new channel on international communication, one that would foster the exchange of programs and ideas. They sought a means to address their concerns: to vary the images we have of each other— through an exchange of our television programs— and to present to each other a more accurate representation of our respective cultures. The objective was a deeper understanding created through the celebration of our differences and a closer working relationship built upon our commonalities.
The INPUT conference, held once a year alternately in Europe and North America, is now an established institution within public service broadcasting. The INPUT conferences since 1984 have opened the door for many American delegates with varying backgrounds and experiences to new production techniques, new points of view, new ideas for programming and new perceptions of how other nations view America.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
U.S. films selected for international public television conference in Bogotá, Colombia (PDF)
