PBS has officially set the premiere date for White With Fear, a new documentary from writer, producer, and director Andrew Goldberg that examines how race and fear have been used as political tools in America. The film will debut on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET on PBS, with same-day streaming available on PBS platforms, including KPBS+.
Framed as a deep dive into the mechanics of political messaging, White With Fear explores how some conservative operatives and media figures have, over decades, built influence and power by exploiting racial divisions and amplifying narratives rooted in fear. The documentary traces these strategies from Richard Nixon’s 1968 “law and order” campaign through pivotal moments in modern history, including the aftermath of 9/11, multiple presidential elections, and the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection.
Told through firsthand accounts from individuals who were directly involved in shaping political campaigns and messaging, the film features a wide range of voices across the political spectrum. Interviewees include Steve Bannon, Hillary Clinton, former Fox News reporter Carl Cameron, The Lincoln Project co-founder Stuart Stevens, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Rick Gates, and former Breitbart writer Katie McHugh.
The documentary positions itself as both a historical examination and a contemporary reflection, unpacking how specific narratives — including anti-immigrant rhetoric and Islamophobia — were strategically deployed and amplified through media ecosystems. It also looks at how those narratives translated into real-world consequences, shaping public perception, policy, and moments of national unrest.
Ahead of its broadcast, White With Fear has already garnered industry recognition. The film was recently nominated for Best Documentary Screenplay by the Writers Guild, with early reactions describing it as “riveting” and “required viewing.”
In a statement, Goldberg called PBS “the ideal home” for the documentary, noting the platform’s reach and its connection to audiences seeking thoughtful, issue-driven storytelling. “It’s timely, relevant, and deeply connected to where our country stands today,” he said.
With its combination of insider perspectives and historical context, White With Fear aims to pull back the curtain on decades of political strategy — and spark conversation about the lasting impact of fear-based narratives in American society.