Ketch Secor, the spirited frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show, is taking a bold stand for public television as he embraces his latest role as the host of Tennessee Crossroads. Alongside this venture, he recently launched his solo album, Story the Crow Told Me, with a special celebration at Nashville’s iconic Station Inn. In an era where public broadcasting faces significant financial challenges due to reduced congressional funding, Secor remains a passionate advocate for its preservation.
The Journey from Music to Public Television
Secor, best known for his musical prowess with Old Crow Medicine Show, has ventured into the realm of public television with his new hosting gig on Tennessee Crossroads. This travelogue series airs on public television, which is under threat following a $1.1 billion funding cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, impacting both PBS and NPR. Despite these challenges, Secor is resolute in his mission to champion public television.
“It does seem like a pretty strange time to go take a job in public broadcasting, but I always did things my own way anyway,” Secor shared on the Nashville Now podcast with Rolling Stone. His journey began in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where he experienced his first taste of television by answering phones for a PBS telethon as a sixth-grader. A fondness for Ken Burns’ documentaries further shaped his appreciation for public broadcasting.
Fostering Unity and Cultural Exploration
Through his role on Tennessee Crossroads, Secor aims to use public television as a platform for cultural exploration and unity. By highlighting local gems like a catfish joint in Paris, Tennessee, he hopes to educate and unite viewers. “It’s by taking this camera and this microphone to…saying, ‘So, what’s on the menu today, sir? How do you make your collard greens?’” Secor explains.
His approach underscores the importance of public television in showcasing diverse stories and cultures. “PBS is a vital part of television broadcasting,” Secor notes. “It’s where kids learn their reading, writing, and arithmetic, and I want to make sure that the next generation of kids have that same opportunity.” His dedication to public television stems from a desire to keep these cultural and educational avenues open to all, regardless of political leaning.
Continuing the Legacy of Public Broadcasting
Secor’s commitment to defending public television is not merely a personal endeavor but a continuation of the legacy that these platforms have created. Even as budget cuts loom, he sees an opportunity to expand their reach. “We can be right, left, or center, it don’t even matter. This is an opportunity for us to expand our work,” Secor says, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of education and public service.
For those who want to explore more about Secor’s journey and insights, Rolling Stone’s weekly country-music podcast, Nashville Now, offers rich conversations with artists like Charley Crockett and Margo Price. Episodes, hosted by senior music editor Joseph Hudak, are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.
