Salt Lake City, UT, 02/25/25 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS Utah announced the release of Utah in the ’70s, a new documentary that invites audiences to step back into one of the most transformative decades in the state’s history. It was a time defined by social upheaval, a fight for equal rights, cultural awakening, the rise of environmentalism, sexual revolution, and a rapidly changing sense of identity.
Produced by father and son team Con Psarras and Tim Psarras, the film features narration by retired broadcaster Bruce Lindsay.
“Any ten-year period is inevitably going to host significant events and will be notable, in retrospect, for shifts in culture, politics, arts and entertainment, etc,” Con Psarras said. “But in Utah, the 1970s stand out as a period in which there were the kinds of changes that have lasting impact on all facets of life in the state — perhaps much more so than other parts of the U.S.”
Utah’s growth in the 1970s brought complex challenges to the state. While it was a time of expansion in Utah’s arts and sports worlds, including the founding of what became the Sundance Film Festival, the maturing of Ballet West and the Utah Symphony, and the Jazz preparing for a move from New Orleans to Salt Lake City, the state also saw an increase of high-profile crime stories.
“Utah had a dark side, too," said Con Psarras. "Crime rates rose dramatically, particularly in drug related and violent offenses. Cases like Ted Bundy and Gary Gilmore made national news and, in a way, marked a kind of coming of age moment in which a sense of innocence was lost.”
From anti-Vietnam War protests and civil rights marches, to divisions over the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment, to growing environmental concerns, the 1970s were a decade marked by upheaval and cultural richness — ideal ground for PBS Utah to highlight in their ongoing commitment to telling Utah’s unique history.
"Public television has a legacy of bringing history to life and preserving Utah’s best stories for generations to come.” said PBS Utah Executive Director Maria O’Mara. “Nostalgia is so much fun and in that spirit, we’re hosting a full week of '70s themed programming on air and offering ‘70s trivia on social media. We’ll also have special thank you gifts for those who donate during the week, like classic ’70s mugs, vintage style tube socks, and even a paperback about Ted Bundy," she said.
Utah in the ‘70s explores a state — and a society — going through what producer Con Psarras calls “its adolescence.” The film will air on Mon., March 9, at 7:00 p.m., and will also be available to stream on PBS Utah's website and the PBS App.
About PBS Utah
PBS Utah is Utah’s PBS station, providing the state with access to exceptional content that entertains, informs, and enriches viewers. PBS Utah airs PBS programming plus award-winning, locally produced documentaries and series. Recognized as one of the leading public television stations in the country, PBS Utah is committed to serving and engaging with the Utah community through its diverse productions and its educational and outreach programs. PBS Utah is always evolving to provide Utahns with relevant programming and services while maintaining its core values of integrity, fairness, independence, education, and innovation. PBS Utah also provides three other broadcast channels: WORLD, PBS KIDS 24/7, and Create. PBS Utah broadcasts from The University of Utah.
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