2025 IMPACT REPORT
(October 2024–September 2025)
“At a time of rising polarization and eroding trust in commercial media, independent storytelling that Americans trust is essential. In 2025, ITVS engaged millions with documentaries that challenged entrenched thinking and sparked local dialogue.”
Carrie Lozano, CEO
ABOUT US
We are the independent voice of public media.
Established by Congress in 1988, ITVS champions stories and storytellers of the diverse American experience—making independent documentaries free and accessible to all.
CREATING DOCUMENTARIES
We seek out stories that might otherwise go untold—and make them possible.
We partner with independent storytellers from across the country on documentaries that tackle urgent issues and offer intimate portraits of diverse communities. We provide funding, mentorship, and editorial guidance to bring their documentaries to life.
We have supported more than 1,400 documentaries, which together have earned 97 Academy, Emmy, and Peabody Awards.
CONNECTING WITH AUDIENCES
We share these stories with audiences across the country—for free.
Our documentaries are available across the U.S. on PBS and PBS’ YouTube channels, including on our own series, Independent Lens.
Each year, our documentaries are seen by an average of more than 30 million viewers.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
We bring people together around issues that matter—raising awareness and sparking conversations.
Through our local screening program, Indie Lens Pop-Up, we partner with community organizations to host free events where community members gather to watch our documentaries and talk about newsworthy topics and social issues that affect them.
Each year, thousands of people from cities, suburbs, towns, and rural areas across the U.S. attend our local events.
Our work creates lasting impact.
“ [ITVS documentaries] open your eyes to what’s going on in your own country and around the world. It broadens your perspective.”
- Viewer, 26, from Denver, Colorado
2025 AT A GLANCE
DOCUMENTARIES CREATED
42
Documentary features and episodes
STREAMING AND BROADCAST
33.7M
Views
LOCAL SCREENINGS
20.3K
Participants
AUDIENCE IMPACT
63%
Planned to discuss issues explored in the documentaries
EXPANDING OUR REACH IN 2025
By sharing more films on YouTube, we tripled our streaming audience and reached younger viewers.
We expanded our local screenings to 328 organizations in cities, suburbs, and rural areas nationwide.
2025 IMPACT HIGHLIGHT
“Seeing this film helped [caregivers] realize that they are not alone and this community will support them.”
- Local partner from Great Falls, Montana
40%
Learned to recognize Alzheimer’s symptoms
77%
Better understood the experiences of patients and caregivers
33%
Planned to support a caregiver in their community
2025 MAJOR AWARDS
AND NOMINATIONS
One With
the Whale
For Native Alaskans living on a tiny Bering Sea island, if you don’t hunt, you die.
Greener Pastures
Midwestern families deal with unseen mental health issues affecting farmers in America.
The Body Politic
Baltimore’s millennial mayor takes office amid a pandemic and a reckoning on policing.
Razing Liberty Square
A public housing community in Miami becomes ground zero for climate gentrification.
OUR IMPACT
Diving into 2025
CREATING DOCUMENTARIES
In 2025, we worked with 121 independent storytellers on documentaries that reflect the diverse American experience.
Together, the documentaries tackle urgent issues, from Life After’s exploration of assisted dying through the lived experiences of disabled people to What Will I Become?'s depiction of trans boys coming of age in a landscape where suicide remains prevalent.
They also offer intimate portraits from within communities, including TheyDream, which follows a Puerto Rican American filmmaker and his mother navigating loss after an unexpected death, and MONIKERS, which explores African American nicknaming practices through personal stories spanning generations.
2025 DOCUMENTARY TOPICS
CHAMPIONING STORIES IN 2025
2025 MAJOR AWARDS & SCREENINGS
HIGHLIGHTING OUR TRUSTED JOURNALISM
Latino Vote 2024
A timely exploration of the social, political, and economic forces that shaped Latino voter engagement in key battleground states.
“Reveals the complexities of a powerful voting bloc.”
- UC Berkeley School of Journalism (October 2024)
1.1M
Views in the weeks before the November presidential election
Created by two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz in collaboration with ITVS and VOCES.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR COMMUNITY PORTRAITS
Renegades
Five-part digital series on the overlooked contributions of historical figures with disabilities.
“I learned so much! ‘disability depends in part on your environment and how well it fits you.’”
- @heatherpool4821, YouTube comment
729K
Views on YouTube
Film & Video Series - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Created by Day Al-Mohamed, a disability policy strategist, and Amanda Upson, the interim director of FWD-Doc, a nonprofit supporting filmmakers with disabilities, in collaboration with ITVS and American Masters.
CONNECTING WITH AUDIENCES
In 2025, our documentaries reached 33.7 million views.
We shared 42 newly released docuseries episodes, features, and shorts, along with select films from our extensive catalog, on public television, the PBS app, and PBS YouTube channels—making our content free and accessible to all.
We collaborated with independent filmmakers to place each film on the PBS series where it would resonate most with audiences, including our award-winning series, Independent Lens, and American Masters, POV, and VOCES.
Most of our new films and episodes premiered on Independent Lens, our flagship series. The 2025 premieres explored life on the U.S.–Mexico border, the rise and fall of NFTs, the history of race relations in the U.S., and many other compelling stories that foster understanding.
We also brought back films from our catalog that provide context for current events. For example, we re-released our 2022 film, TikTok, Boom., during the national debate over a potential TikTok ban, helping audiences understand the cultural, political, and security implications of the platform.
In 2025, we took steps to grow our
Independent Lens audience
We made more of our documentaries available on YouTube.
This approach expands free access beyond local PBS stations and the PBS app to the world’s largest streaming platform.
We more than tripled streams of our films as a result.
Reaching 4.95 million streams in 2025.
Our shift to YouTube also helped us reach younger audiences.
In 2025, 57 percent of our YouTube audience was under 45, compared to fewer than 7 percent of our broadcast viewers the year before.
As our streaming audience grew,
we created social media content that invites our digital audiences to dive deeper on the issues explored in our films and take part in thoughtful online conversations.
As a result, our digital community exploded.
Our social media impressions increased from 5 million in 2023 to more than 15 million in 2024 and 2025.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
WE WANT THE FUNK!
Tracing funk music from its African, soul, and early jazz roots to its mainstream rise.
“At a time when Black history and voices are censored and silenced, [WE WANT THE FUNK!] was a particularly profound and joyful celebration of Black culture and music!”
-Local partner from Chicago, Illinois
3.4M
Views across platforms
We partnered with creators including Sound Field on YouTube and Emily Harpist on Instagram to engage younger audiences. Their posts sparked joyous celebrations of funk music and Black history.
395K
Impressions and views on social channels
Created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson and Grammy-nominated producer Nicole London in collaboration with ITVS.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR DIGITAL COMMUNITY
Camp Widow
An intimate look at a yearly gathering of people who want help navigating the tricky waters of grief.
“I found my people!!! 🥰...If it wasn’t for the dark humor I wouldn’t have made it....This post made my day! ❤️”
- @melis0522, Instagram comment
A film clip shared on Instagram sparked thousands to join an online conversation about grief—offering support, sharing personal stories, exchanging resources, and expressing how the documentary helped them heal.
3M
Views
27.3K
Shares
Created by Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin in collaboration with ITVS.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
We engaged with a diverse range of audiences in 2025—from policymakers on Capitol Hill to community members at local libraries, schools, and community centers across the country.
National Engagement
In 2025, we hosted bipartisan Capitol Hill events on critical issues:
- Veterans and Service: A conversation centered on Independent Lens’ Make Peace or Die: Honor the Fallen highlighted the experiences of veterans and their communities. The event featured remarks from Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mark Amodei (R-NV).
- Alzheimer’s Awareness: A screening and discussion of Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s fostered conversation on care, research, and policy. The event included remarks from Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representative Paul D. Tonko (D-NY).
Local Engagement
In 2025, we celebrated one of our most far-reaching seasons yet of Indie Lens Pop-Up, our local screening program. Our community partners across the country hosted film screenings of select Independent Lens films followed by conversations on how the issues raised in our films impact local communities.
“Indie Lens Pop-Up brings people together around powerful, thought-provoking documentaries. Hosting screenings fosters dialogue on important social issues and helps build a stronger, more connected community.”
- Local partner from Lena, Wisconsin
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) meeting a filmmaker of Matter of Mind, Laura Green, at the film screening on Capitol Hill.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) meeting a filmmaker of Matter of Mind, Laura Green, at the film screening on Capitol Hill.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) meeting Matter of Mind filmmaker Laura Green at the film screening on Capitol Hill.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) meeting Matter of Mind filmmaker Laura Green at the film screening on Capitol Hill.
Community members at WE WANT THE FUNK! screening hosted by Arizona Public Media in Tucson, Arizona.
Community members at WE WANT THE FUNK! screening hosted by Arizona Public Media in Tucson, Arizona.
Expanding our local reach with
Indie Lens Pop-Up
We built new partnerships across the country increasing the number of local screening hosts to 328 in 2025.
Our hosts gathered community members at 676 screenings across cities, towns, suburbs, and rural areas across the country.
Participation skyrocketed.
20.3K people attended local screenings and community conversations in 2025, up from 7.4K in 2024.
Image of individuals seated around tables with drinks and snacks at a local brewpub ahead of a the screening.
Image of individuals seated around tables with drinks and snacks at a local brewpub ahead of a the screening.
Community members attending a Bike Vessel screening hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting.
Indie Lens Pop-Up screenings create change.
We provided community partners discussion guides, training, and funding to make each event come alive.
RAISING AWARENESS
64%
Learned something new
“I felt joy listening to music and learning more about the history of the funk genre.”
- Community member from Indianapolis, Indiana
BUILDING CONNECTION
55%
Felt more connected to their community
“Seeing this film helped [caregivers] realize that they are not alone and this community will support them.”
- Local partner from Great Falls, Montana
Speaker at a Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s screening hosted by ASU Project Humanities in Mesa, Arizona.
EXPANDING PERSPECTIVES
44%
Were exposed to new ways of thinking
“I was surprised by the immigrant families’ struggles... [Home Court] helped me understand my privilege.”
- Community member from Teaneck, New Jersey
SPARKING DIALOUGE
63%
Planned to talk about the issues with their friends or family
“[Free for All] sparked meaningful conversations about the lasting impact of libraries...and inspired us to continue advocating for equitable access.”
- Local partner from Holdrege, Nebraska
Participants at a Free for All : The Public Library screening hosted by New Mexico PBS in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Free For All:
The Public Library
Showcases how public libraries shaped a nation and remain a beloved sanctuary for Americans today.
“Free For All sparked renewed commitment to defending our local libraries and offered a much-needed sense of hope during a challenging time for democracy.”
- Local partner from Concord, New Hampshire
ITVS worked with PBS Books, a public media initiative dedicated to connecting books with readers, to strengthen our partnerships with local libraries across the country. Hundreds of libraries and other community sites held screenings.
9.7K
Participants at Local Events
63%
Felt more invested in their community and its well-being.
30%
Planned to donate to their library.
22%
Planned to volunteer at their library.
Local Highlight: Red River Theater, Concord, New Hampshire
Red River Theater partnered with local libraries to host a screening that drew 85 participants. Attendees shared personal stories about the impact of libraries, discussed ongoing efforts to advocate for library funding, and voiced strong concerns about censorship and book bans.
Interactive activity at Free for All screening hosted by Red River Theater in Concord, New Hampshire.
Interactive activity at Free for All screening hosted by Red River Theater in Concord, New Hampshire.
Created by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor.
HIGHLIGHTING OUR AUDIENCE IMPACT
Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s
Explores how family dynamics change when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Through deeply personal stories, the film opened conversations about memory, caregiving, and resilience, reminding us we’re not alone in facing these challenges.”
- Local partner from McAllen, Texas
Local screenings raised awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, linked participants to community resources, and created a space for patients and caregivers to share their experiences with each other.
2.3K
Participants at Local Events
40%
Learned to recognize signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
77%
Better understood the experiences of people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
33%
Planned to offer support to a caregiver in their community.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHT: Maryland Public Television, Owing Mills, Maryland
Partnered with AARP and local Alzheimer’s and aging support organizations to host a post-screening discussion on research and treatment. They also held a resource fair that connected 45 participants to local support services for caregivers.
Resource fair at Matter of Mind screening hosted by Maryland Public Television in Owing Mills, Maryland.
Resource fair at Matter of Mind screening hosted by Maryland Public Television in Owing Mills, Maryland.
Created by Anna Moot-Levin and Laura Green in collaboration with ITVS. The documentary is the final one in our three-part series on neurodegenerative diseases.
GET INVOLVED
Your support will fuel our work in 2026 and beyond.
Our Valued Contributors
We’re deeply grateful to the supporters who make our work possible.
Partner with ITVS as a donor and join a community dedicated to inspiring audiences and sparking meaningful conversations that move audiences to action.
In 2026, we’re investing in new creators and faster ways to get programs made and seen.
- Independent Lens Creator Lab will support rapid production of short videos designed for streaming and social platforms like YouTube and Instagram—where audiences are seeking bold, honest stories.
- Incubator Fund will provide storytellers the early support needed to move from compelling ideas to feature documentaries and short series created specifically for streaming platforms.
In 2026, Independent Lens will explore book banning, issues of acceptance within the little people community, the immigrants who groom and care for horses and keep the Kentucky Derby running—among many other documentaries that expand understanding of the American experience.
New Season, New Voices—Watch Our Latest Trailers
Data sources and Notes: Quotes were edited for clarity. Audience Survey: Qualitative research conducted by an external firm with 100 Independent Lens viewers to understand viewing motivations. Indie Lens Pop-Up Partner Reports and Surveys: Partners reported event reach and outcomes after each event. A year-end partner survey assessed program impact and improvement opportunities; 99 respondents (30% response rate). Indie Lens Pop-Up Participant Surveys: Post-event surveys captured attendee demographics and event impact; 1,182 respondents (6% of all attendees). Program Data: Internal program data, YouTube and Instagram analytics, and PBS broadcast and streaming data were used in the analysis.
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