Philly D.A. on Independent Lens

Go inside the emotional, high stakes work that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and an ensemble of idealistic outsiders from different walks of life take on as they attempt a fundamental overhaul of an entrenched criminal justice system.

• Fred Vigeant/WITF
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  Fred Vigeant is WITF's Director of Programming and Promotions for TV and Radio. Fred manages the schedules for our radio and television platforms. He also analyzes audience research and manages the public affairs program Smart Talk. Previously, Fred was at WRVO in Oswego, NY for 12 years serving in various roles including Program Director and before that Operations Manager. Fred graduated from the State University of New York College at Oswego with a B.A. in Mass Communications and Broadcasting.

 Courtesy of Ryan Collerd

Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, at desk.

PBS’ documentary anthology series Independent Lens brings the highly anticipated Philly D.A. eight-part series to WITF this month. The docuseries takes you into the office of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner as he and his team work to transform the criminal justice system from the inside.

Filmmakers Ted Passon and Yoni Brook secured wide-ranging access to the District Attorney’s office, embedding themselves on a near daily basis for the last three years. This unfiltered access captures Krasner’s dramatic first year in office and documents the day-today struggles of trying to change the entrenched criminal justice system.

In addition to the stories inside the District Attorney’s office, Philly D.A. also takes to the streets of various neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia and into the lives of people who are directly impacted by the decisions made downtown. Each episode moves back and forth between the D.A.’s office and personal stories from those affected, including those currently incarcerated, victims of crime, political opponents, activists and concerned residents.

Philly D.A. premieres Tuesday April 20 with back-to-back episodes beginning at 9pm and then continuing weekly at 9pm through May. The series is also available for on-demand viewing through the PBS Video app.

A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.

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