As if the Arizona Poetry Out Loud state finals weren’t exciting enough, the 2017 finals were held in the downtown Phoenix studios of Arizona PBS. On March 11, 2017, 10 high school students from all across the state stepped on to the stage and into the spotlight to recite poems for a live audience and Arizona PBS’s TV cameras. In April, Arizona PBS and Arizona Public Media televised a half-hour special featuring highlights from the competition. 

“We are thrilled to be a partner in hosting and broadcasting the Arizona Poetry Out Loud competition,” said Arizona PBS producer Suzanne Guery. “This competition emphasizes many of the values our organization is dedicated to supporting, such as academic advancement, literacy and personal pride. All of the finalists made great achievements to reach this point, and we’re pleased to take part in celebrating those successes.”

When and Where to Watch

Northern and Central Arizona

April 7, 2017, 9:30 pm on channel 8.1
April 10, 2017, 11:30 pm on channel 8.1
April 11, 2017, 3:30 am on channel 8.1
April 12, 2017, 8:00 pm on channel 8.3

Southern Arizona

April 12, 2017, 6:00 pm on channels 6.3 and 27.3