Panhandle PBS Earns Statewide Audience for Local Documentaries

Two locally produced documentaries from Panhandle PBS have been selected to air across Texas after being chosen by a panel of PBS staff representing the 10 public television stations in the state.

The selected films— “The Rain We Keep” and “Broken Bread: Examining Senior Food Insecurity in the Texas Panhandle”—were chosen from 15 submissions for broadcast.

“I’m beyond proud of the work this team has done, spinning out two substantial documentaries in one year” said Julie Grimes, Panhandle PBS general manager. “These films shine a light on key challenges in our region and help tell the rest of Texas more about the Panhandle and its people.”

“The Rain We Keep” is a documentary series focused on water conservation in the Texas Panhandle and the condition of the Ogallala Aquifer—our region’s primary water source. The series originally premiered in November 2024 on Panhandle PBS. Karen Welch, Panhandle PBS senior content producer, served as one of the directors for the project.

“Broken Bread” is a three-part series exploring the causes and impacts of food insecurity among older adults in the Texas Panhandle. As the region’s population ages, more seniors are struggling to access nutritious food—often without sufficient resources or support. Through compelling personal stories, expert analysis, and community-driven responses, “Broken Bread” shines a light on both the challenges and the hope within our food system.

Together, these two programs make up more than a quarter of the state’s selected content and will fill two of the eight total hours set to air across Texas PBS stations. 

“I’m thrilled for these filmmakers and for Panhandle PBS,” said Kevin Ball, Amarillo College vice president of communications and marketing. “It’s a major achievement to have so much locally produced content picked up for statewide broadcast. It speaks to the quality of storytelling happening here and the importance of giving voice to the issues facing our communities.”

“Broken Bread” will air statewide in November 2025, while “The Rain We Keep” is scheduled to air in April 2026.

For more information, visit panhandlepbs.org.