“Milwaukee PBS produces six original shows about our community.”

Julie Hill Lehr is the manager for marketing and community engagement at MIlwaukee PBS, located in Milwaukee Area Technical College downtown. Her work includes reaching out to members of the Milwaukee community, giving a spotlight to local issues and highlighting local programming. She is proud of Milwaukee’s original programming and believes that these shows can move beyond the screen and trigger change on a bigger level.

Q: What is the biggest takeaway that you want people to have when visiting?

A: “Milwaukee PBS produces six original shows about our community. I think a lot of people aren’t familiar with those shows. We also have digital programs that we think people would really enjoy.

Q: What do you think is a program that has made a large impact, whether that be in the local community or something larger?

A: One of our producers named Maryann Lazarski did a program called Kids in Crisis. The subject was youth mental health and that program, I think, was very instrumental in getting our Wisconsin legislators to think more about how important that the topic is to everyone in the state. A lot of schools use the documentary just to elevate the issue to make sure people know and it’s mainly to make people understand you’re not alone so if you have issues and mental health problems there’s help. .

Q: In this work, you interact with a lot of people. Are there any memories from the event that you come back to?

A: I think the interactions with kids. There’s been a kid’s area every time we’ve done this. I really enjoy our PBS Kids’ Corner. Working with children is a part of the job. Educational outreach is pivotal. We have a lot of great programming for kids that is pivotal to their development. They’re programs that aren’t just there to entertain you, they’re also educational. I think interacting with kids and seeing the light on their faces when they know one of our programs or recognize a character is great.