The Book Studio is an online project of WETA, the third-largest producing station in the public television (PBS) system and the flagship public broadcaster in the nation's capital. WETA's mission is to produce and present programs of intellectual integrity and cultural merit that recognize viewers' and listeners' intelligence, curiosity, and interest in the world around them.
The connections between books and public broadcasting run deep, from the 1950s WGBH television program called I’ve Been Reading that gave us Julia Child to adaptations of Jane Austen and mystery novels that air on Masterpiece.
The Book Studio website extends this sensibility online, each week featuring candid reviews of new books and interviews with today’s most talked about authors. The mix of books featured on The Book Studio is broad, but underlying our choices is knowledge of the publishing industry and a connection to social media that gives us insight into which books are significant, which are overhyped, and where the hidden gems can be found.
Previous interviews have featured Richard Russo, Alexander McCall Smith, Tracy Chevalier, Gwen Ifill, Frank Warren, David Baldacci, Brad Meltzer, Naomi Wolf, and many others. For a list of authors scheduled to appear, please see the Coming to The Studio page.
To send a book for review
Please first send us an email with the book title and author. We will respond within five business days.
To schedule an author interview
We welcome your suggestions for authors to interview. Most authors who come to The Book Studio are eager to return – read some of their comments.
- Studio interviews are taped at WETA’s television studio in Arlington, VA, just outside of Washington, D.C. Each interview lasts no more than an hour. Four studio interviews are taped each month. Three months lead time is needed to schedule a studio interview.
- Audio interviews are taped at WETA's radio station in Arlington, VA.
- Authors may also be interviewed via Flip video at locations throughout the Washington area or via phone.
Contact our talent booker to inquire about scheduling.
For press, sponsorship, or general questions
Please contact us.
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Video note: The WETA Book Studio was originally piloted as a project called Author Author. As a result, some of the earliest videos include an Author Author opening and references.
