PBS12 has always championed experimentation, creativity, and new ideas. Throughout the years, the station has won a number of
broadcasting awards for its unique, independent productions. In addition to these pioneering specials, the station gradually set itself apart with an unparalleled amount of weekly, local public affairs programs. By 2006, the station was airing a wide range of locally-produced programs that added up to over twenty hours a week.
In 1992, Colorado Inside Out (CIO) was created to provide in-depth analysis of the weekly events affecting Colorado. Over the years, this roundtable discussion has been hosted by Ken Hamblin, Peter Boyles, Raj Chohan, and its current host, executive producer Dominic Dezzutti. Regular panelists include Patricia Calhoun, Editor of Westword and an original panelist, David Kopel, Research Director at the Independence Institute, Eric Sondermann, a political analyst and a weekly columnist at Colorado Politics, Natasha Gardner, Articles Editor at 5280 and a growing list of various journalists, pundits and activists throughout Colorado.
In the early 2000’s, Colorado Inside Out debuted what became a very successful tradition – its “Time Machine” episodes. In these Emmy-winning specials, the CIO cast tapes the program as if it were a different year in Colorado’s history. Using costumes and special effects, the host and panelists assume historical personalities and discuss the issues of the day from a particular year in the distant past.
In 1997, Colorado Inside Out Live debuted as Colorado’s only live call-in program that gave viewers a chance to join the conversation. Hosted by Peter Boyles, CIO Live tackled various topics each week, unafraid to feature vociferous debates and proud to examine the kinds of issues other media outlets would not cover.
In 2007, Colorado Inside Out Live became Studio 12 and new hosts Tamara Banks and Steffan Tubbs alternated hosting duties each week. During its 7-year run, Studio 12 won an Emmy and other numerous awards, and its hosts offered viewers a first-hand look at issues from all over the world, including coverage from Sudan, Haiti, Iwo Jima, Iraq, Uganda Nicaragua and Rwanda. Studio 12 also won numerous awards for its in-depth analysis and the unique perspective it offered viewers throughout Colorado.
Since 1996, PBS12 has been proud to offer the most in-depth election debate coverage in Colorado. Every election season, PBS12 has offered a full slate of candidate and issue debates.
In 2004, the station joined with CBS4 and the Rocky Mountain News to create Colorado Decides. This election series continues today, now in partnership with CBS4 and The Colorado Sun, offering debates and analysis throughout each election season, as well as live coverage from CBS4 on election night.
During its early years, the station gained a wide following among progressive music fans with its groundbreaking music video series Teletunes. Today, PBS12 is celebrating its longstanding history with local artists and performers in Sounds on 29th – a live performance and comedy series that showcases some of Colorado’s finest acts.
“We kind of wanted to return to our roots,” commented Sounds on 29th producer Heather Dalton in a 2013 interview. “But instead of looking at a national level, which Teletunes had done, we had so much incredible local talent that we decided to focus our efforts on the local scene.
In 2015, the station premiered a new magazine series called Street Level. With 8 micro-seasons now under its belt, the award-winning series features neighborhoods and towns from around Colorado, looking at food, arts and community stories told from the street level. Seasons have featured various locations throughout Denver, Glenwood Springs, Leadville as well as specialty seasons exploring Colorado’s start up phenomenon and stories focusing on Denver from the points of view of diverse community influencers.