WSKG presents three new IN THEIR OWN WORDS primetime specials that explore the lives and impact of some of the most intriguing figures in recent history. Combining exclusive interviews with archival footage and each subject’s own words to help tell the story, IN THEIR OWN WORDS sheds light on these compelling personalities and examines their continuing influence.
“Pope Francis” – aired Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 8:00 pm
On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, the Argentinian cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was named the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He made history by being the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit priest to be named to the office and the first to take the name Francis. Diving into Pope Francis’s personal story, this episode reveals the experiences and influences that led him from Buenos Aires to the Vatican and the highest office of the Catholic church—and made him one of the most popular and progressive popes of recent times. Featuring interviews with Austen Ivereigh, author of The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope, NBC’s Anne Thompson, Vatican officials and more.
Available to watch now with Passport.
“Chuck Berry” – aired Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Chuck’s Berry’s incredible life story spans more than seven decades, beginning in the clubs and bars of a deeply segregated St. Louis. In 1955, his “Maybellene” rose to #1 on the R&B chart. It then miraculously crossed over, reaching #5 on the top 100 Pop chart, ultimately birthing a renaissance in popular music we now call rock and roll. To his family, Berry was a sensitive poet and devoted family man. To others, he was a demanding and difficult artist, a “diabolical genius” driven by a voracious appetite for money and a deep desire for respect and control. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol, he had a weakness for women. This episode takes a riveting ride on the Chuck Berry train, exploring the life, the legend, the music and the man. Featured are interviews with his widow, son and grandson, along with colleagues and musicians who idolize him, including Keith Richards, Robert Cray, Slash, Darius Rucker and more.
Available to watch now with Passport.
“Diana, Princess of Wales” – aired Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 8:00 pm
This unique exploration of Diana’s life looks back through a contemporary lens that credits her choices, her suffering and her triumphs as the ultimate disrupter for a generation of women across the globe. Through interviews with many who knew her personally, a picture of Diana emerges that reveals what drove her to challenge the restrictions of her personal life—marriage to a man who loved another woman and a royal family that attempted to mold her in its image. When her marriage dissolved, Diana could have stepped off the world stage and created a quiet, private life. Instead, driven by a need to help others, she chose to use her celebrity to change lives. The story of a woman who defied expectations and evolved into one of the most impactful icons of our time, the program features interviews with John Travolta, biographer Andrew Morton, several close friends and more.
Available to watch now with Passport.
"Jimmy Carter" - aired Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Hear the inspiring story of a long-shot outsider who fought his way to the top office in the world, beat the odds against him again and again, and never looked back in his quest to better the lives of millions.
Available to watch now with Passport.
"Elon Musk" - aired Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Revel in the life story of a thrilling 21st century Iron Man come alive. See how Musk went from bullied boy to young innovator to self-taught rocket scientist, ultimately becoming one of the richest men in the world.
Available to watch now with Passport.
"Angela Merkel" - airs Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 8:00 pm
One of the most enigmatic and inscrutable world leaders of our time, Angela Merkel’s life story reveals the woman behind the veil. Explore how experiences that began in her childhood shaped her politics and ultimately, the face of modern Europe.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PA Images / ALAMY Stock Photo