There's plenty to see in Austin; Just take a walk around any older neighborhood and you'll find at least a few hidden gems. But sometimes discovery just feels better from the couch. Austin PBS is ready to help with a slate of new programming for 2024-2025, including both original shows and "local initiatives."

Also known as KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is best known for its widely renowned Austin City Limits music series, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It also airs other popular programs that aren't nationally famous, like Central Texas Gardener and Taco Mafia — both returning with new material this year.

Most notable in the mass announcement is the launch of a new multi-platform news show, airing weekly beginning later in 2024. Fans of Decibel, an existing hyperlocal, "community-led journalism project" that focuses on local social issues in historical context, will likely enjoy this new project, which according to the press release "build[s] upon" the former's reporting. It will cover topics within politics, education, economy, and culture, among other areas.

The CultureMap Austin team has also been looking forward to seeing Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience hit the schedule after watching the documentary at South by Southwest. This emotional story celebrates one of Austin's most eccentric cultural icons, the late KUTX radio host John Aielli. Clearly made with love, this documentary features Aielli's family and coworkers — many of whom are still working around town — and raises questions about how well Austin's current media landscape is living up to its weird past.

Trailer for Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience.Courtesy of Austin PBS

“Public broadcasting isn't just about what we do; it's about who we are as a community, and we are thrilled to be celebrating the second year of [the local premiere night] Made in Austin to share the exciting projects we’ve been working on,” said President and CEO of Austin PBS Luis Patiño via a release.

“It’s been incredible to see the support and excitement of original programming we launched last year," Patiño continued, "from the storytelling of our diverse community with Taco Mafia to in-depth interviews with public figures on Overheard With Evan Smith, and we are looking forward to another year of impactful content that enriches and transforms the communities we serve."

The following new programs (described in PBS's original language) also announced launches in 2024-2025:

• Moon Shadow, a multi-platform educational project about the science and symbolism of eclipses
• Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, a documentary film about the journalist and vice-presidential adviser and her story of blazing professional trails while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights
• The Only Day We Have shares Allan Cole’s story of living day to day with young-onset Parkinson’s disease
• Chasing the Tide, a six-part documentary series that follows wife and husband duo Chrissy and Jay Kleberg as they walk the entire length of Texas’ seven barrier islands, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the state’s coast
• The Stones Are Speaking, focuses on one of the most significant cultural sites in the Western Hemisphere, The Gault Archaeological Site in Central Texas
• Live From the LBJ Library With Mark Updegrove ... featuring interviews with preeminent thought leaders about issues vital to America’s future.

Existing shows with new seasons include:

• Blackademics
• On Story
• Overheard With Evan Smith
• Central Texas Gardener
• Austin City Limits
• Taco Mafia

Finally, Austin PBS invites community members to a special taping with Austin’s Christian Wiggs Big Band and special guest Benny Benack III. The taping takes place May 23 at 7:30 pm. at the Austin Media Center. RSVP here.

All programs will be available for viewing on KLRU-TV, AustinPBS.org, and the Austin PBS app. More information about the programs is available at austinpbs.org.