Imagine for a moment...an 18 year old is awakened at 6 a.m. and told she is a queen. A fairy tale? No. That was how Victoria learned she was queen in 1837. Her uncle, King William IV, breathed his last breath at 12 minutes past two, she was told. Victoria is now the most powerful woman in the world. Presented by Masterpiece, the seven-part series Victoria will premiere this January. Played magnificently by Jenna Coleman, Victoria must transform herself from a rebellious teenager into a woman capable of ruling a nation. “I know that I’m young, but I’m ready for the great responsibility that lies before me,” she says. Others are not so sure. The domineering advisor Sir John Conroy (Paul Rhys) tries to get Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent (Catherine H. Flemming), appointed regent for the immature queen so they can seize power. Victoria, however, is determined to rule without their interference.

Victoria navigates the uncharted waters with the help of Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, played by Rufus Sewell. They are enchanted by each other: Victoria by the older man’s

wisdom and he by the young queen’s irresistible guilelessness. “It was critical to find an outstanding actress to play Queen Victoria,” said Rebecca Eaton, executive producer of Masterpiece, coproducer of the series. “Although it’s a large cast, she is central to the story — the audience must love her. Coleman does a superb job and Rufus Sewell is one of my favorite British actors. I was thrilled when he agreed to play Lord Melbourne.”

As his popularity in British Parliament wanes, Lord Melbourne decides to resign. Victoria feels abandoned as she deals with a series of crises. Not long after, he has a

change of heart and returns. Meanwhile, downstairs, the staff is having its own problems getting used to the changes she’s making. Victoria is urged to secure the monarchy by marrying; however, she’s indifferent to suitors. When Prince Albert (Tom Hughes) arrives, they manage to offend each other within minutes. As they play a piano duet at an evening soirée, Albert abruptly stops. “Am I going too fast for you?” Victoria asks. Without missing a beat, he responds, “I think you are going too fast for Schubert, but if that’s the pace you want....” Her feelings change as Albert assumes a bigger role in her life and heart. Will Victoria pop the question? Of course, and the answer is yes! The script is brilliant — written by Daisy Goodwin who read the millions of words of Victoria’s diaries for ideas and authenticity. Filmed in Yorkshire, the series is replete with elaborate costumes and breathtaking sets. Victoria will have you counting the hours from episode to episode starting on Sunday, January 15 at 9 p.m.

For more exciting details,

read our exclusive interview with Rebecca Eaton

on page 3.

Photo credits: ITV for Masterpiece.

A teenager who becomes queen…

VICTORIA

NEWS FROMETV ENDOWMENT OF

SOUTH CAROLINA

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

2017

Dear ETV Endowment Member, To kick off the 2017 season, I am excited that we’re bringing you a new Masterpiece series that should make Downton Abbey fans very happy! Victoria dramatizes the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Victoria, beginning with her ascension as a teenager to the crown. We’re trading the grand halls of Highclere Castle for the even grander Buckingham Palace. The drama goes on upstairs and downstairs, too. With sumptuous costumes and sets, a family saga, intrigue and a love story — who could resist? This year’s episodes cover only the first few years of Victoria’s reign, so we can look forward to more seasons to come! In this issue, you’ll find an exclusive, behind-the-scenes interview with Masterpiece Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton about the making of Victoria and a glimpse at future programs in the works. I share her pride that Masterpiece — now 46 years old — has been such a sustaining powerhouse for PBS stations through the years.

I’m equally proud of the ongoing support SCETV and SC Public Radio receives from our members — that includes you! If you’re not one already, please consider joining the growing ranks of the ETV Endowment Sustaining Stars, who lend support on an automatic, ongoing basis. With dependable support like this, we can ensure that there will be funding for future seasons of Masterpiece and all the engaging, rewarding programming you enjoy on SCETV and SC Public Radio. Happy New Year!

Coby C. Hennecy, CPA, CFRE Executive Director ETV Endowment of South Carolina

A Word from … COBY HENNECY

Racial tensions, police shootings, gridlock in Washington… . What has happened in America? Divided States of America, presented by FRONTLINE, is an eye-opening four-hour, two-night documentary that looks back at events during the Obama presidency that have revealed deep divisions in our country and the rise of populist anger on both sides of the aisle. Drawing on extensive new interviews with White House and Congressional insiders from both parties, as well as FRONTLINE ’s vast body of reporting on the Obama era, the film digs into the causes of America’s intense differences and questions how the next President and Congress can govern in an era of complex challenges. “When America elected its first black presi-dent eight years ago, many thought we were entering a new and hopeful era,” says Michael Kirk, FRONTLINE filmmaker and series producer. “But now, from race to guns to the economy, we’re living in a deeply polarized moment — in American politics and American life.” What are we going to do about it? Airs Tuesday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 18 at 9 p.m.

Credits: Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila

The wait is over. Mercy Street returns with Season 2, bringing you the superb actors you loved plus a number of fascinating new actors.

The action picks up directly from the events at the end of Season 1 — continuing to explore the growing chaos in Alexandria and the complex relationships among Dr. Jedediah Foster (Josh Radnor), Nurse Mary Phinney (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and the Mansion House staff. It also takes you much closer to the battlefield to witness the fierce battles of the Civil War. You’ll discover more about the lives of newly freed African Americans, as you experience life

in a contraband camp where slaves are forced to confront horrific living conditions, but also get a glimpse of freedom. You’ll see

Samuel Diggs (McKinley Belcher), as he reveals more of his medical abilities in his quest to turn his dream into reality, and a new character, Charlotte Jenkins

(Patina Miller), a Northern abolitionist who comes to take care of the contrabands and teach them to be free. Season 2 premieres Sunday, January 22 at

8 p.m.

STATES OF AMERICADIVIDED

Season 2 premieres...

MembershipETV Endowment 864-591-0046

members@etvendowment.orgwww.etvendowment.orgETV Endowment of SC

401 E. Kennedy St., Suite B-1Spartanburg, SC 29302

ProgrammingSCETV and SC Public Radio:

803-737-3200 or 800-922-5437 csr@scetv.org

www.scetv.org and www.scpublicradio.org

2 The Endowment Insider

For years, people have believed that wild animals are more like humans than we first thought. Now there is increasing research proving this theory. In the most innovative series NATURE has ever presented, Spy in the Wild employs more than 30 animatronic cameras disguised as animals to record behavior in the wild. These “spy cam-eras” reveal animals as having emotions and behavior similar to humans — specifically, a capacity to love, grieve, deceive, cooperate and invent. The five-part series

includes: “Intelli- gence,” “Love,” “Misbehavior,” “Friendship” and “Making of

Spy in the Wild,” an episode that

explains what it takes for mechanical spies to be accepted by animal families. Featured spy creatures include a hippo, cobra, sloth, orangutan, bushbaby, warthog and more. You’ll be amazed as a baby crocodile goes on an incredible ride inside the mouth of a real crocodile as she gathers her babies up for safety, a squirrel discovers how real squirrels use intellect to overcome nut thieves and an ostrich chick witnesses a female ostrich luring a leopard away from her vulnerable brood. The five-part series starts on Wednesday, January 18 at 8 p.m.

Everything they know will be tested...

Exclusive Interview with Rebecca Eaton

for SCETV

S ince taking over the helm of Masterpiece in

1985, Rebecca Eaton has transformed it into the top- rated prime time show on PBS, bringing viewers Downton Abbey, Poldark, Sherlock and other major hits. She talks about Victoria and other upcoming programs.

Q. In selecting potential series for Masterpiece, you mentioned that you “get the shivers” when you read a script that really works. When did you start to get the shivers with Victoria?A. We were approached before the script was even started. It was just a question, “How would you feel about producing a television series about the life of Queen Victoria?” The idea was proposed by Daisy Goodwin who wrote the script. Her daughter was a teenager, and she was fascinated with how an 18 year old could become the most powerful woman in the world. I loved the project, and it seemed so rich because Victoria ruled for 60 plus years. She was only 4'11", but she packed a wallop.

Q. Masterpiece coproduced Victoria. Describe what that involvement entails.A. It means taking risks. We were involved from the beginning. We knew who was going to write and produce it, so collaboratively we needed to select the ideal actors to play the lead roles, and I think we came up with winners. There is an entire downstairs story as well, and we also had

to find the right people to play those parts.

Once there is a script, cast and director, we step back a little, and the filming begins. As the production continues, we receive dailies and edited cuts to view, and we provide notes and comments as each episode takes shape.

Q. What are the main reasons that this series will be a hit? Why will viewers fall in love with Victoria?A. There are many reasons.

This is a true story — Victoria was a good woman who you meet when she was a teen- ager. She fought one of her greatest battles right at the beginning, which was separating from her mother and advisors who tried to take royal control away from her. Victoria had the brains, health and heart to rule for more than 60 years. Viewers will see her grow, change, make decisions, marry and have nine children. Of course, Victoria also has a stellar cast, gorgeous costumes and fabulous settings. However, the first season covers only a few years — and yes, we’ve already given the “green light” to Season 2.

Q. What else is on the horizon for this year?A. Sherlock is returning for Season 4, James Norton continues his role as Reverend Sidney Chambers as Grantchester begins Season 3, and Joanne Froggatt, who viewers loved as Anna Bates in Downton Abbey, will play a totally different role as British serial killer Mary Ann Cotton in Dark Angel. There’s certainly a lot of exciting programming ahead.

The Endowment Insider 3

Sherlock

When Masterpiece unveils Season 4 of Sherlock with three new episodes, you’ll discover that the series is going places it’s never been before.

“A genuine emotional roller coaster,” says Benedict Cumber-batch, who reprises his role as Sherlock. “It’s really dark,” adds Amanda Abbington, who returns as Mary Watson. This season, she and her husband, Doctor John Watson (Martin Freeman), are preparing for their biggest challenge yet: becoming parents. There are new stars, too. Toby Jones joins the cast as an evil villain and Sherlock’s new sidekick is a droopy-eared blood-

hound who doesn’t much like people or concrete. As you know, bloodhounds are famous for their ability to detect human scents. Is that a clue of what’s to come? Ghosts of the past haunt the lives of Sherlock and Watson — terror and tragedy are looming as the first episode, “The Six Thatchers,” begins on Sunday, January 1 at 9 p.m.Season 4

Credit: Courtesy of Todd Antony/Hartswood Films 2016 for Masterpiece.

in the WildSPY

A Nature Miniseries

SCETVNL01174 The Endowment Insider

The ETV Endowment is pleased to announce the launch of a new Calendar of Events on our website at www.etvendowment.org/events. This is an exciting addition, which will make it easier for our donors to learn about the different events happening across the state. Whether it is the premiere of Hamilton’s America, a visit with Vivian Howard of A Chef’s Life or a USC tailgate with fellow Endowment supporters, the ETV Endowment is creating opportunities for our donors to preview excit-ing programming, interact with their favorite TV and radio personalities and spend time with other donors. Be sure to bookmark our Calendar of Events, and check back often so you don’t miss out!

General Assembly Back in Session This month the South Carolina General Assembly returns to sessions and with it, South Carolina Public Radio’s State House Week. Winner of a SC Broadcaster’s Association Star Award, State House Week returns to SC Public Radio on Friday, January 9, and will air every Friday during the legislative session at 6:45 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 1:33 p.m. and 4:44 p.m.

State House Week, with host Russ McKinney, is a four-minute recap that focuses on the House of Representatives and Senate sessions, House and Senate committee meetings, public hearings and other South Carolina government events. It can also be heard online at www.scpublicradio.org.

SCETV and Coal Powered Filmworks, the Columbia, SC, production team that produced South Carolinians in WWII and Man and Moment, are proud to offer Valor in Vietnam. The three-part series will document the highly personal experiences of three South Carolinians: Steve Flaherty, killed in action in 1969; Jack Van Loan, six-year prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton and friend of John McCain; and Michael Thornton, Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient. Additionally, the series will include interviews with other Vietnam veterans of the Palmetto State. This series, intended for statewide and national broadcast, will complement Ken Burns’ epic 10-part Vietnam series slated for broadcast in September of 2017 and will continue the programming legacy for which SCETV has been known for more than 50 years.

Secrets of the Six Wives takes you back to the 1500s where you’ll join host and historian Lucy Worsley as she disguises herself as a maid, midwife and nursemaid to eavesdrop on the events in the Tudor court. Henry VIII had six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr. For the first time, these women’s stories will be the focus of this three-part series. While they lived in a world run by men, each queen found unique methods of exerting influ-ence. Anne Boleyn convinced Henry that if he broke with the Catholic church, he would be able to declare an annulment from Catherine of Aragon and make Anne his new Queen. He de-clared himself the only supreme head on Earth of the Church of England, was excommunicated by Rome and married Anne. This sparked the religious upheaval that ultimately converted England from a Catholic to a Protestant nation. The three-part series starts Sunday, January 22 at 10 p.m.

Valorin

Vietnam

Calendar of Events

Host Lucy Worsley

Host Russ McKinney

S E C R E T S O F

The Six Wives

We Remember… GWEN IFILL All of us at the ETV Endowment are deeply saddened by the death of Gwen Ifill on November 14, following a battle with cancer. Ifill was moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and co-anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour. When she joined Washington Week in Review in 1999, she became the first African- American woman to host a major political TV talk show. Before joining PBS, Ifill was chief congressional and political correspondent for NBC News, White House correspondent for The New York Times and a local and national political reporter for The Washington Post. Ifill was respected, admired and loved by colleagues and listeners. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said, “Gwen was one of America’s leading lights in journalism and a fundamental reason why public media is considered a trusted window to the world.” President Obama described Ifill as “an extraordinary journalist” who asked him the “tough questions,” and a listener said, “she was a bright beacon in the sea of news that floods our lives each day.” We miss her deeply.