Vegas PBS “Recession Rx” Debut Provides Las Vegans with Economic Solutions & Resources

Local Production Hosted by Cathy Hanson Features 13 Episodes

Vegas PBS provides viewers with recession advice and assistance in its new 13-episode, half-hour special “Recession Rx” premiering Monday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. on Vegas PBS Channel 10 and 10.1. Hosted by Cathy Hanson, “Recession Rx” features topics ranging from foreclosure and mortgages, to healthcare, unemployment, and jobs searches and training.  The program will also highlight resources to combat common social effects of a recession, such as depression, suicide, spousal abuse, substance abuse, mental health and family living transitions. The program will also feature ‘success stories’ – people who have faced a crisis and been able to move on.  “Recession Rx” will air Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

 “As Nevada leads the nation in foreclosures and unemployment, the series comes at a crucial time when families are looking for help,” said Hanson.  “Identifying local resources and informing and educating viewers about their options are our main focus for each episode.”

 “We need to educate ourselves about how to navigate through current financial hardships and decisions,” said Vegas PBS General Manager Tom Axtell.  “The creation of ‘Recession Rx’ was the direct result of so many within Southern Nevada being affected by the current economic downturn.”

Community partners contributing to the creation of “Recession Rx” include United Way of Southern Nevada, KNPR-FM Nevada Public Radio, HELP of Southern Nevada, Consumer Credit Counseling, Legal Aid and United Labor Agency of Nevada.  

This program is made possible by Bank of Nevada and Nevada JobConnect.

The weekly show will be available on www.VegasPBS.org/rx as an Internet stream and a downloadable podcast.  The Web site will also feature Vegas PBS produced videos of classes on consumer counseling, including bankruptcy.  “Recession Rx” episodes will also be made available on YouTube.

Complete programming schedule for “Recession Rx”: 

*“Recession Rx” is preempted the week of April 20 due to the “2009 Jr. Varsity Quiz” programming.

For additional information, please visit www.VegasPBS.org/rx.

About Cathy Hanson

Cathy Hanson is an award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience in broadcast news. Most recently she was the executive producer and host of “Caucus Countdown” and “Capitol Issues” at Vegas PBS.  Hanson was a Visiting Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas from 2004-2008, where she taught broadcast news, investigative reporting and podcasting. She served as the Director of Communications for the City of Las Vegas from 1995-2000, introducing the city’s award-winning Web site and cable television channel.  She also launched a proprietary satellite television network for Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and produced several national television shows for the Harrah’s network.