New Mexico in Focus producer Matt Grubs interviews New Mexico In Depth reporter Bryan Metzger about his deep dive into the role of lobbyists in the state’s legislative process. With pandemic restrictions at the Roundhouse this year, lobbyists have found themselves on the outside of a process in which they’re often the ultimate insiders. Metzger recently looked at the role of lobbyists as experts in a citizen legislature. 

Gene Grant and The Line opinion analyze Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address. In a departure from pre-COVID tradition, the address was pre-recorded, then broadcast and streamed one week after the beginning of the legislative session. The Line panel looks at some of the key issues the Governor talked about – such as opening up schools Feb. 8 – and also addresses some of her omissions. The panelists also look at progress on the COVID vaccine rollout, and some hiccups along the way. Lastly, The Line deals with the topic of New Mexico legislators who accepted pandemic aid for their small businesses.   

New Mexico in Focus is involved, informed, in-depth media airing weekly on New Mexico PBS. The program debuts Friday nights at 7 p.m. on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME-HD) and appears online shortly thereafter. The show rebroadcasts on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME-HD) Sundays at 7 a.m. and on NMPBS 9.1 (WORLD) on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.  

In Focus Interviews 

Lobbying 

Correspondent 
Matt Grubs 

Guest 
Bryan Metzger, New Mexico In Depth 

The Line Opinion Panel     
Dede Feldman, former state senator    
Dan Foley, former state representative   
Justine Fox-Young, former state representative  
Eric Griego, former state senator    

Host       
Gene Grant  

New Mexico in Focus is the New Mexico PBS prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. NMiF takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic health, education, and art issues, and explores them in-depth with a critical eye to give them context beyond the “news of the moment.”

The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Matt Grubs, with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer. The NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.

The McCune Charitable Foundation provides NMiF funding, along with viewers like you.

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