Programs/Content
WUNC to end its music stream and HD2 service
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Radio listening trends and economics are too challenging to justify acquiring a terrestrial signal for the Triple A music service, says GM Paul Hunton.
Development
Oregon’s KLCC invests in newsgathering with proceeds from $3M campaign
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The Eugene radio station will add two reporters and build its digital news coverage.
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
Unions call for immediate removal of Chicago Public Media CEO
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96% of participating union members voted no confidence in the outgoing CEO.
System/Policy
CPB backs new journalism desk for Alaska’s stations
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The two-year grant funds four new reporter positions and three shared editors.
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.
Programs/Content
Podcast explores how racism of Jim Crow era afflicted generations of journalist’s family
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In the podcast “What Happened in Alabama?”, journalist and author Lee Hawkins probes his family history to reveal lasting impacts of the traumas of injustice and discrimination.
System/Policy
Growing costs, falling sponsorship fuel wave of layoffs in pubmedia
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Current has tracked more than 400 jobs lost to layoffs or buyouts since March 2023, including at operations as different as NPR, Chicago Public Media, GBH in Boston and WBHM in Birmingham, Ala.
System/Policy
WVPB unable to renew grant after apparently violating guidelines
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The board chair of the WVPB Foundation said he believes that publicly naming a funder during a meeting cost the station the chance to apply for a three-year grant.
Development
May CDP Index: 7.6% lift in high-dollar gifts powers revenue increases
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High-dollar gifts and sustainers continue to be pillars of strength and stability for stations as new donors remain a challenge.
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.
Obituaries
David Freedman, former GM of WWOZ, dies at 80
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During Freedman’s quarter-century with WWOZ, it transformed from a small station with uncertain finances into an internationally known institution representing New Orleans music and culture.
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.
Tech
How KQED is enriching its ‘Forum’ archive with generative AI
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Ask Forum harnesses the power of a large language model to offer a more flexible and expandable search experience.
System/Policy
New Wisconsin Public Radio station honors late Executive Director Gene Purcell
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WEPP, which will begin broadcasting Thursday on 90.7 FM in Rice Lake, Wis., gets its call letters from Purcell’s given name, Eugene Patrick Purcell.
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.
Programs/Content
ASL-accessible PBS Kids programs put interpreters inside story frame
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Focus group research informed how PBS Kids and producers added American Sign Language interpretation to select series for kids ages 2–8.
Programs/Content
How journalists can shape society through ethical storytelling
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Minal Bopaiah of Brevity & Wit discusses an inclusive and prosocial framework for redefining race and equity coverage.
Programs/Content
‘Nova’ marks 50 years with blend of new and old programming about engineering, space
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A new interactive project will include creating an escape room at GBH’s studios in Boston.
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.