[March 22, 2022]

Brian Lockman, PCN’s former President/CEO and current Senior Advisor, hosted his 900th episode of PA Books on March 11, 2022. Judith Goode’s book “The Italian Legacy in Philadelphia” was featured.

Lockman previously served as one of the founding four members of C-SPAN, including more than 10 years as the network’s Vice President of Operations. Lockman joined PCN in 1994 as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was named PCN’s President and CEO in 1999. In that time, Lockman also began PA Books, intending to share Pennsylvania’s history, culture, business, politics, and people with PCN viewers. He has interviewed 30 to 40 authors every year, including notable authors, David McCullough, John Updike, and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. Though he retired as President and CEO in 2020, Lockman continued hosting PA Books.

"Hosting PA Books for 25 years has been an honor and an amazing education” said Lockman. “I've had the privilege of interviewing many great writers and some notable historians. I hope the program has helped Pennsylvanians learn something about their fascinating state. Fortunately for book lovers and history lovers, PA Books will continue with a new host, Phil Beckman, who is a real student of history and an excellent interviewer. I look forward to watching Phil and PA Books for many years to come."

Lockman’s 900th episode of PA Books is also his last as host and is scheduled to air on March 27, 2022. The program will continue to air on PCN Sundays nights at 7 PM, hosted by Phil Beckman.
Debra Kohr Sheppard, PCN’s President, and CEO, said, “As we celebrate Brian’s achievement and dedication to exploring Pennsylvania’s rich culture and history, we know PA Books has many more pages left to turn. Fans of the show can rest assured that it will continue to thrive under its new stewardship.”