System/Policy
PBS cuts jobs, changes up departments
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The network reduced its staff headcount by about 6%.
System/Policy
Tweets by WAMU staffers call attention to diversity issues at station
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The outpouring on social media came after a Black producer said his job was in jeopardy.
People
Julia Wallace named interim GM of Arizona PBS, Mary Mazur exits
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Wallace has served as a professor in practice at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2017.
System/Policy
Virginia’s VPM lays off about 15% of workforce
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The job cuts allow VPM to “right-size” in response to the financial impacts of the pandemic.
Programs/Content
Station town halls on racial justice go virtual amid coronavirus concerns
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With social distancing making in-person conversations difficult, stations are turning to online platforms to engage with audiences around issues of race and policing.
Engagement
How PBS Utah is helping local book clubs confront challenging issues
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“The overwhelming response showed me that people don’t just want to be entertained and chat with their friends — they want to learn and grow. They want to engage and make a difference.”
Development
‘Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!’ album helps stations generate goodwill with donors
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Stations are taking advantage of the free album to build connections with their communities.
System/Policy
When one way of speaking dominates, who gets to tell their stories on public radio?
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A journalism school professor argues that NPR’s emphasis on unaccented English “undermines NPR’s original mission of engaging listeners civically.”
System/Policy
Three Maryland stations collaborate to form Delmarva Public Media
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Under the agreement, two stations will change format and drop NPR affiliation.
System/Policy
Why is public media so white?
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Current’s executive director calls for accountability on diversity, equity and inclusion. Making public media data accessible is a start.
People
Comings and goings: CPB boosts Gales Webb to VP of radio, Harvey promoted at WNET …
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Jacquie Gales Webb joined CPB in 2005.
System/Policy
Pandemic forces pubmedia’s interns to adjust to remote work, unsettled job market
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Some interns haven’t been able to use equipment and software they had at offices, while other early-career journalists are missing out on internship opportunities.
System/Policy
Houston Public Media eliminates 8 positions in downsizing spurred by pandemic
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Fifteen part-time staffers will also be affected.
System/Policy
Stations step up reporter safety after unexpected conflicts at protests
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Run-ins with police have prompted newsrooms to review their guidelines for reporting in dangerous situations.
System/Policy
KPBS lays off 3 staffers, moves 15 to part-time
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Like others in public media, the station is facing losses in underwriting and membership support.
System/Policy
PBS budget for FY21 keeps station dues level
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At last week’s board meeting, board members and network leaders also discussed how to increase racial diversity in public media’s executive ranks.
Tech
FCC resolves ‘big regulatory hurdles’ to public TV’s ATSC 3.0 rollout
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Pubcasters didn’t get everything they wanted, but America’s Public Television Stations COO Lonna Thompson said the commission’s solution for simulcasting difficulties is “generous and fair.”
Development
Rock station documentary provides support for community radio stations during pandemic
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The film “WBCN and the American Revolution” is available for listeners to rent online, giving them a way to support local community radio stations while learning about their role in history.
Development
How stations are changing up fundraising strategies during the pandemic
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In the latest webinar in our series, two public media leaders discussed how their stations are building resilient revenue streams.
Programs/Content
‘Downton Abbey’ pledge marathon boosts public TV’s June pledge drive
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With PBS rights to the drama expiring June 30, stations and viewers are making the most of the show’s fundraising farewell tour.