Development
Why boosting major giving may be key to pubmedia’s success
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Experts say stations should focus more on cultivating major gifts to support their long-term growth.
People
Comings and goings: Janice Hui leaves ‘Frontline’ for ITVS, NETA appoints VP …
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Janice Hui was named COO of the Independent Television Service.
People
Sherrie Westin named CEO of Sesame Workshop
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Westin is the first woman to be Sesame Workshop’s CEO since the organization was established in 1968.
People
Comings and goings: NETA appoints COO, NPR hires deputy Washington editor …
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NETA named Timothy Eernisse COO and VP of education and growth.
System/Policy
House subcommittee proposes zeroing out pubmedia funding for FY27
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President Biden has proposed upping CPB’s FY27 appropriation to $595 million.
Obituaries
Russell Morash, ‘This Old House’ creator and ‘Father of How-To’ programs that inspired millions, dies at 88
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While Morash wasn’t always fond of the “Father of How-To” moniker, his track record of marquee programs like “This Old House” and “The Victory Garden” cemented his place as a media innovator.
People
Comings and goings: John Sutton named VP at NEPM, Hawaii Public Radio makes host changes for music program ‘Bridging the Gap’ …
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John Sutton, who joined New England Public Media as interim CCO, was hired permanently as VP of content and audience strategy.
System/Policy
PBS board approves $373M budget, applauds contract extension for CEO Paula Kerger
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Paula Kerger’s decision to continue leading PBS “will cement, for a very long time to come, her status as the longest serving president of PBS,” said Board Chair Larry Irving.
System/Policy
PBS lays off 24 staffers, cuts vacant positions
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“It’s never easy to say goodbye to colleagues and friends, but we feel confident that this will position us well for the future,” said PBS President Paula Kerger in a staff memo.
People
Comings and goings: NPR hires managing editor, CapRadio host takes leave …
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NPR hired Samantha Melbourneweaver as managing editor of digital, audience growth and engagement.
Programs/Content
WETA announces rebrand of news productions under ‘PBS News’ banner
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The weeknight news show will retain the name “PBS News Hour,” while the PBS News brand will appear on digital platforms.
People
Oregon Public Broadcasting taps CNN’s Rachel Smolkin as CEO
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Smolkin will succeed longtime leader Steve Bass, who announced plans to step down last year.
System/Policy
House subcommittee recommends more funding for Next Generation Warning System
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If approved, it would be the third large infusion of funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency–backed program.
System/Policy
CPB’s first post-pandemic analysis of stations finds stagnating radio revenue, drop in TV income
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The latest State of the System report was shared during the Public Media Business Association’s annual conference.
Obituaries
Jac Venza, founder of public TV’s ‘Great Performances,’ dies at 97
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Venza founded the series in 1972 and retired from public media in 2004.
People
Comings and goings: Dan Lothian named editor of GBH newsroom, NPR appoints deputy managing editor of digital …
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Dan Lothian became editor-in-chief of GBH’s newsroom and “The World.”
System/Policy
Kwame Alexander created a poem about public media with help from ‘Viewers Like You’
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“A human network / A community / coming together in unity / generations engaged / together.”
Tech
Stations in Alabama, Texas and Alaska receive $1.3 million from Next Gen Warning System
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Alabama Public Television, KLRN in San Antonio and KYUK in Bethel will use the funds to upgrade their technology for transmitting emergency alerts.
People
Comings and goings: WFIT appoints PD, Nine PBS adds senior directors to development team …
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Steven Keller became PD for WFIT in Melbourne, Fla.
People
Marcia Smith, president of Firelight Media, plans to step down
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Smith co-founded Firelight Media with filmmaker Stanley Nelson.