PBS Distribution Picks Up Rights to Two ‘Frontline’ Specials on the U.S. Election

PBS Distribution has secured global distribution rights for two upcoming “Frontline” specials on the U.S. election: “Biden’s Decision” and “The Choice 2024,” with a possible third election-related program expected.

In “Biden’s Decision,” “Frontline” tells the inside story of President Joe Biden’s rise to the presidency, and the personal and political forces that shaped him and led to his dramatic decision to step aside from his re-election campaign. The show has a two-hour running time.

“Frontline’s” critically acclaimed series “The Choice” returns with interwoven investigative biographies of both candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, focusing on their careers and personal lives.

The two-hour special from veteran “Frontline” filmmaker Michael Kirk and his team will include interviews with friends, family, colleagues and adversaries about the challenges that shaped the candidates and could inform how they confront the crises facing the nation during their term.

The team has made all six prior instalments of “The Choice” and nearly 20 documentaries about the Trump and Barack Obama eras, which has afforded his team a large archive of reporting to build on.

Kirk, who has produced, directed and written more than 100 hours of “Frontline,” has won every major award in broadcast journalism, including five Peabody awards, four duPont-Columbia awards, two George Polk awards, 15 Emmy awards and 12 Writers Guild of America awards.

“We are thrilled to bring this outstanding content to the international marketplace from the award-winning filmmakers at ‘Frontline,'” Joe Barrett, vice president of sales, PBS Distribution, said. “‘Frontline’s’ reporting of these stories over the years has garnered them awards in nearly every journalism and broadcast media outlet as well as unparalleled journalistic access. PBS Distribution has distributed every edition of ‘The Choice’ and has partnered with more than 65 broadcasters representing nearly every country in the world.”