Yes, I definitely, FONDLY, remember this PBS documentary mini-series. (In fact, when it originally aired, I was a braniac high-school frosh, and I actually taped all eight installments. Alas, I taped it on a T-160, SLP speed, and eventually I wore it out!) Apparently, it wasn't too widely seen outside of the academic setting; the only references I could find to the series when I searched for it on Google were related to university journalism courses: in lectures and syllabi "suggested additional material". What I wouldn't give to get my hands on a set of the tapes today! (I did find a copy of the companion book, by Michael Winship, available used at alibris.)
Tell Your Friends