The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey— CPTV to Premiere Human Genetics Special to Coincide with Upcoming Dr. Spencer Wells Conne

HARTFORD Conn. (February 28, 2013) – How did the human race populate the world? A group of geneticists has worked on that question for a decade, arriving at a startling conclusion: the “global family tree” can be traced to one African man who lived 60,000 years ago. Well-known geneticist and anthropologist Dr. Spencer Wells offers additional insights into the origins of mankind when he visits the CPTV studios on Monday, March 4 at 8 p.m. to host The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey, an innovative PBS documentary featuring commentary by expert scientists, archaeologists and anthropologists.

The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey examines the latest in genetic evidence to tell the story of the great migrations of man through history. Dr. Wells, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, hosts the two-hour special. With travels to Africa, Australia, Siberia, the Middle East, the Himalayas and the United States, Dr. Wells pieces together human history with clues gathered along the way: facial features, cultural artifacts, fossils and meteorological records. In addition to the documentary, viewers will have an opportunity to attend an upcoming lecture with Dr. Wells in Connecticut. There will also be a chance for viewers to participate in National Geographic’s Geno 2.0 - Genographic Project designed by Dr. Wells himself

Astonishing research indicates that humans can be traced back to just one man who lived 60,000 years ago. The series synthesizes the latest evidence from many different scientific fields—genetics, linguistics, anthropology and paleoclimatology—to explain man’s exceptional survival against all odds.

About Connecticut Public Television

CPTV is a media service of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN). It is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including original documentaries, public affairs shows and educational programming. CPTV has built a reputation as a leader in children’s programming, including playing an historic role in bringing Barney & Friends™, Bob the Builder™ and Thomas & Friends™ to public television. The station offers 11.5 hours of positive, nurturing children’s programs each weekday, reaching 50,000 to 70,000 households daily. The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network also includes

WNPR, an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media. WNPR serves 260,000 listeners weekly in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island with news and information. Its award-winning local programming includes The Faith Middleton Show,

The Colin McEnroe Show and Where We Live. CPBN also includes two affiliate channels: CPTV4U, a 24/7 television channel featuring award-winning drama, news and talk programming, concert performances, independent films, nature shows, British comedy and more; and CPTV Sports, Connecticut’s only 24-hour local sports network, covering statewide high school, college, semi-professional and professional sports. For more information, visit cptv.org.