What began with assisting producers in booking scientific experts soon turned into a passion for public media to foster science education. In 1974, Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, established a volunteer group to serve as advisors to KPBS television producers. Soon after, Kirsch, in collaboration with then KPBS Program Manager Brad Warner (Hall of Fame, 2013) won a grant from the National Science Foundation to create a regional science office at KPBS-TV. With help from KPBS Producer Susan Pollock, Kirsch developed programming that would contribute to the community’s understanding of science and its impact on public policy, the economy, health, and the environment. Over the next nine years, the KPBS Science Center developed numerous award-winning programs under Kirsch’s direction. As many as 12 of his films were distributed through PBS to a nationwide audience.
The programs Dr. Kirsch produced included magazines, documentaries, one-on-one interviews, and paneled discussions around all areas of science from quantum physics to nuclear disarmament and medicine. Among those that Kirsch was able to interview included Nobel Prize Winning scientists, researchers, educators, and public policy makers. But Kirsch and his team had the most impact with documentaries.
"It was our chance to present the City of San Diego as a rising star and major player in the world of new science and technology," said Kirsch. "We began to focus on the documentary format and found other public television production partners willing to join forces and take on issues that were playing out in the West but had national significance."
The documentary series, Synthesis, took an in-depth look at science and societal issues such as safe storage of nuclear waste, the effect of dams on the Grand Canyon’s ecosystem, and Alaskan oil drilling. A 1982 prime time special which Kirsch executive produced, Creation vs. Evolution: Battle in the Classroom, aired nationally to an audience of more than 4 million. The 1980 documentary, The Whales That Wouldn’t Die told the story of the California Gray Whale’s comeback from near extinction. The program was awarded the 1980 San Diego Emmy for Outstanding Achievement and played for ten years at the Cabrillo Light House.
About the KPBS Hall of Fame
Created in 2010, the KPBS Hall of Fame honors individuals and families who have made significant contributions to the station through their work, philanthropy, and leadership. Since its inception, more than 20 honorees have been inducted in two distinct categories: Lifetime Achievement and Visionaries. Lifetime Achievement honorees are former staff whose work set new standards for public media and added to the station’s value within the community. The Visionaries celebrates previous and current supporters whose commitment helps KPBS advance its mission and service to the community.
It’s no doubt that Kirsch had a lasting impact on KPBS. From contemporary children’s television programs like Sid the Science Kid to national prime time series like Nova and Nature, KPBS continues to provide a wealth of science-inspired content to a wide and growing audience. The KPBS Newsroom regularly generates stories and features on current discoveries and advances in health, medicine, the environment, and technology. Making science relevant and meaningful to all audiences is Dr. Kirsch’s legacy. At KPBS, we remain steadfast in this important service.
KPBS is proud to recognize Jeffrey Kirsch as the 2016 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement honoree.
Bio of Jeffrey Kirsch, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Kirsch received his B.S.E. in Aeronautical Engineering at Princeton University in 1962, M.S.A.E. in Aerospace Engineering at University of Southern California in 1963, and a Ph.D.A.E. in Aerospace Engineering at University of Southern California in 1969. Kirsch joined KPBS in 1974 and was responsible for science-oriented program production that resulted in nationwide acclaim and many award-winning TV documentaries. In 1983, Dr. Kirsch became the Executive Director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center where he continued the important work of making science meaningful and enjoyable for all audiences.
Visit our photo gallery honoring all the Hall of Fame Inductees.
