10 thoughts on “Michael Soper, fundraising consultant who led PBS development in its formative years, dies at 71

  1. Mike was a mentor to many of us. He provided invaluable counsel at a difficult time in my career, leading me to move to New England to lead WGBY in Springfield. Without his intervention, I might have left public broadcasting. Through his example, I tried to provide the same sounding board to others in the field. Everyone who knew him is in his debt and will miss him.

    • Michael was an energizing muse to many of us in the system. A strong advocate of recognizing complex and innovative Development achievements from all stations. That desire led to the expansion of the annual PBS Development Awards which Michael – in his unique style – wrapped around memorable events like the Development Olympics, Country Fair, the Red Carpet Oscars and more. Remember him sharing one goal – not enough people get a Pat on the back for a job well done which the annual awards will do – and they’ll serve as inspiration for the rest of us. Michael made a huge difference to many of us and our industry.

  2. Mike was the consummate cheerleader for development professionals. He worked tirelessly to advance best practices and to shine a light on the hardworking people who brought in the money that kept public television in the forefront of quality tv. His enthusiasm was infectious and It was an honor to work with and learn from him.

  3. Mike was a role model to us in the 1980s on the PBS Public Information Advisory Committee — key partners to the DAC. As much as the meetings were about exchanging ideas, they were also about learning from Mike, Dan Agan, Nancy Neubauer, and some of the other marketing giants, who put a lot of thought into what worked and what could work, and saw PBS as a true partner to stations like ours in Detroit. I’m grateful that Mike continued to make himself available for consults even after he left PBS, and for what he taught me. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

  4. Hello, This has been one of the only articles that I have been able to find regarding my grandfather’s death, I loved the man tremendously, I would like like to learn more about his time at PBS and some of the things he was able to accomplish, if you have any stories or memories please Email me, I would love to hear it.

    -Micahel J Soper

    • Hello, my name is Ed Yung. I went to the University of Illinois with your grandfather. I only recently found out about Michael’s passing. I want to express your loss from the surviving members of his college buddies, Jim and Irene Miller, Michael Seegert and myself. There were three more in our group who were Randy Stahlhut (who went to high school with Michael) Carl and Mia Fleegel who also have also passed. We were a great group of friends. Like I said before, Michael was a great person and friend and I am really sorry for your loss.

  5. Hello, my name is Ed Yung. I went to the University of Illinois with your grandfather. I only recently found out about Michael’s passing. I want to express your loss from the surviving members of his college buddies, Jim and Irene Miller, Michael Seegert and myself. There were three more in our group who were Randy Stahlhut (who went to high school with Michael) Carl and Mia Fleegel who also have also passed. We were a great group of friends. Like I said before, Michael was a great person and friend and I am really sorry for your loss.

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