Makers: Women Who Make America
AOL, a leading digital media company, and PBS, a non-commercial media organization, are launching “Makers: Women Who Make America,” a digital video and broadcast initiative.
Produced by filmmakers, the multi-platform initiative aims to become not only the largest but also the most dynamic collection of women’s stories ever assembled.
Makers originated from a very clear premise: over the last half century, the work of millions of women has altered virtually every aspect of American culture. The Makers platform tells the story of these exceptional women — both famous and heretofore unknown individuals — whose pioneering contributions continue to shape the world in which we live.
[ Also Read: Time Warner Cable to Connect a Million Minds ]“AOL wants to be known for groundbreaking firsts in the digital media industry, and we are thrilled to be partnering with PBS as they stand alone in their unparalleled ability to educate the world on the most important movements of our time,” said Tim Armstrong, chairman & CEO of AOL. “Partnering together to bring Makers to life is exactly the type of future-forward programming we believe in.”
[ Also Read: BBC Future Goes Up in the Online Space ]“By spotlighting some of the most inspirational women in our nation’s history, Makers will tell the comprehensive story of how women have advanced in America during the last half century. I hope that the Makers project will become the seminal record of women’s achievement, and inspire a new generation of leaders,” said Paula A. Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. “PBS and our member stations are proud to support this celebration and dialogue about the role of women in our society.”
[ Also Read: Is Life OK in the U.S. for India’s Life OK? ]Launched Tuesday, Feb. 28, Makers begins at Makers.com. The site is an AOL-developed interactive video platform, presented by Simple, a new line of facial skincare products, featuring original content edited and curated by the filmmakers.
PBS will also launch a companion site at pbs.org/Makers, featuring select Makers stories and information on the upcoming documentary.
Makers is optimized for viewing across every mobile device, including an iPad app that offers a video-viewing experience. The stories will be expanded weekly, ultimately bringing hundreds of inspiring women to the public throughout 2012 and beyond.
