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Need to Know was a weekly television news program that aired on PBS from 2010-2013. The show was co-hosted by Alison Stewart and Jon Meacham, who brought their respective expertise in journalism and politics to provide in-depth analysis of the week's top stories. Need to Know aimed to fill a gap left by traditional network news by providing deeper context and thoughtful analysis on the issues that mattered most to the American people.

From its premiere in May 2010, Need to Know tackled a range of complex and timely subjects, from healthcare reform and financial regulation to national security and climate change. The show featured investigative reporting and in-depth interviews with experts and newsmakers, all presented in a compelling and accessible format.

One of the hallmarks of Need to Know was its commitment to covering stories that often went overlooked by other news programs. The show highlighted issues affecting underserved communities, such as poverty, race, and immigration. It also featured in-depth profiles of individuals making a difference in their communities, including artists, activists, and entrepreneurs.

Each episode of Need to Know featured a series of segments that explored different aspects of a given theme. For example, an episode on healthcare reform might include a segment on how the new law would impact small businesses, an interview with a leading healthcare expert, and a feature on a community that had successfully implemented innovative healthcare solutions.

Stewart and Meacham brought their own unique perspectives to the show. Stewart, a seasoned journalist who had previously worked for CBS News and MSNBC, provided sharp analysis and incisive questioning. Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author, brought a broad historical context to current events and helped viewers understand how the past informed the present.

In addition to its regular programming, Need to Know also produced a series of special reports that delved even deeper into specific issues. These reports were typically hour-long documentaries that focused on a single subject, such as the impact of the financial crisis on everyday Americans or the struggle for LGBT rights.

Overall, Need to Know was a thought-provoking and insightful news program that brought a fresh perspective to the stories that mattered most to Americans. Its commitment to providing context and analysis helped viewers understand the complex issues facing their communities and the nation as a whole. Although the show has been off the air for several years, its legacy lives on as a reminder of the importance of in-depth, thoughtful journalism in an age of soundbites and sensationalism.

Need to Know is a series that ran for 3 seasons (160 episodes) between May 7, 2010 and on PBS