People
ITVS controller Michael Shiro dies at 59
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Shiro “brought analytical acumen, ethical rigor and humor to the sober business of managing the federal public funds that supported 1,000-plus independent documentary filmmakers over his tenure.”
Obituaries
Michael Soper, fundraising consultant who led PBS development in its formative years, dies at 71
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Through his efforts to share best practices in public TV fundraising, Soper gained “a wonderful perspective on stations across the country and their different kinds of needs,” said former PBS COO Neil Mahrer.
Obituaries
Thurston Briscoe, longtime public radio executive and producer, dies at 74
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“He was about as good a colleague as you could ever hope for,” said Don Lee, who worked with Briscoe at NPR.
Obituaries
Leanne Ferrer, who led Pacific Islanders in Communications, dies
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Ferrer joined PIC in 2008 and led the organization since 2014.
Obituaries
Neal Conan, journalist who covered wars and anchored live broadcasts for NPR, dies at 71
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“Neal did every job you could do in radio,” said Robert Siegel, former “All Things Considered” host, of his longtime colleague. “He was terrifically gifted at everything.”
Obituaries
Gene Purcell, Wisconsin Public Media director, dies at 61
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Purcell died from injuries sustained in a traffic crash last week.
Obituaries
Former WMFE CEO Stephen McKenney Steck dies at 77
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Steck is credited with growing the station’s annual budget from $250,000 to more than $9 million when he retired.
Obituaries
Former WNET VP Carmen DiRienzo dies at 65
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As a lawyer who oversaw corporate affairs and business development, DiRienzo guided the creation of Vme, a Spanish-language digital multicast service.
Obituaries
WUNC GM Connie Walker dies at 59
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Walker “played a vital role in our station’s growth and many successes,” said Nora Casper, WUNC’s acting GM.
Obituaries
Bob Fass, ringleader of long-running countercultural Pacifica show, dies at 87
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Fass’ “Radio Unnameable” served as a switchboard for social movements of the ’60s and featured musical guests that included Joni Mitchell, Taj Mahal and Bob Dylan.
Obituaries
Don Russell, Illinois Public Media engineer who specialized in radio and IT systems, dies at 45
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“Don was an extraordinary engineer who could fix anything,” said CEO Moss Bresnahan.
Obituaries
Longtime PRI, PRX employee Cathy Twiss dies
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“Cathy was quite simply the best public radio has,” said a colleague.
Obituaries
Former Arizona PBS GM Bob Ellis dies at 93
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Ellis led Arizona PBS for a quarter of a century and held other titles at Arizona State University, the station’s licensee.
Obituaries
Former KCET president Bill Kobin dies at 91
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During a storied career, Kobin helped launch seminal programs for NET and led KCET to “comeback story” status.
Obituaries
Hannah Colton, news director and reporter at KUNM, dies at 29
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“Hannah loved being a reporter. She was a gifted storyteller. She was great at meeting people and talking with them, asking good questions and really listening to the answers.”
Obituaries
Lorenzo Milam, legendary pioneer of community radio, dies at 86
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Milam “inspired hundreds of people to start community radio stations all around the country … and has left us a raucous and sprawling living legacy.”
Obituaries
Native broadcaster Harlan McKosato dies at 54
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Often referred to as “the voice of Indian country,” McKosato brought Native issues into the light for a wide audience.
Obituaries
Lester Crystal, news executive who oversaw expansion of ‘PBS NewsHour,’ dies at 85
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As executive producer, Crystal directed launch of the first hourlong daily news program on U.S. television.