PBS To Air Documentary on Polarization

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Public Broadcasting Service will air a two- part, four-hour documentary miniseries in January on the nation's polarization, "Divided States of America," the network announced Thursday.

The documentary, part of PBS' "Frontline" series, will examine the causes of the polarization and question how the next president and Congress can govern in an era of complex challenges.

"Divided States of America" will look back at events during the Obama presidency that have revealed deep divisions in the nation and examine the nation the next president will inherit, according to filmmaker Michael Kirk.

The documentary will include new interviews with White House and congressional insiders from both parties, as well as "Frontline's" vast body of reporting on the Obama era.

“When America elected its first black president eight years ago, many thought we were entering a new and hopeful era,” Kirk said.

“But now, from race to guns to the economy, we're living in a deeply polarized moment -- in American politics and American life. This film explores why we've reached this point, how Washington has reacted to the upheaval that is fast defining our times and what it means as we look to the tenure of the next president.”

"Divided States of America" will air Jan. 17-18, with the final night coming two days before the inauguration of the next president.

The announcement was made in connection with PBS' portion of the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour which is being held in Beverly Hills.

— City News Service, photo via Shutterstock