Employees of the joint organization that operates The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS are being offered voluntary buyouts due to the recent loss of $1.1 million in annual federal funding. “This is a significant and painful cut, and it’s not unique to us here in Rhode Island — it’s reshaping public media organizations across […]
The Public’s Radio
Posted inEducation, Local
‘I’m so excited’: Barrington High School graduate wins journalism scholarship from Rhode Island PBS/The Public’s Radio
Each summer, Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio award a $60,000 college scholarship to a local high school graduate who is planning to pursue a career in journalism. This year’s recipient is Scarlet Biancuzzo. She’s a Bristol native and a Barrington High School graduate. This fall she’ll enroll at the University of Missouri, one […]
Posted inLocal, Media
Pending Senate vote could eliminate federal funding for local public media
Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure to rescind already-approved funds for public media across the country. For the Public’s Radio & Rhode Island PBS, that would mean losing about 10% of our budget. The Senate hasn’t yet approved the rescissions package, but if they do, it would threaten our ability […]
Posted inLocal, Media
Our CEO Pam Johnston on what’s next for The Public’s Radio & Rhode Island PBS
The Public’s Radio is currently in the process of reimagining our brand in a way that better reflects our recent merger with Rhode Island PBS. Our mission is to serve the listeners of Rhode Island and the south coast of Massachusetts. That’s not changing. But our name will be different, and we’d like you to […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Media
GBH, Frontline veteran named CEO for public media in RI
Veteran multimedia journalism leader Pam Johnston is set to take the helm of the recently merged public broadcasters Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio. In an interview on Wednesday, Johnston says she reacted with tears of joy on learning of her selection as president and CEO. “This is truly a dream job, a dream […]
Posted inLocal
Philanthropist and activist Peggy Sharpe has died at age 96
Sharpe and her late husband Henry “Hank” Sharpe, who died at age 99 in 2022, were crucial in helping to establish what we now call The Public’s Radio, recalled Elizabeth Delude-Dix, co-chair of the board of directors for the Rhode Island PBS Foundation and The Public’s Radio. The Public’s Radio recently merged with Rhode Island […]
Posted inBusiness, Local
Attorney general approves merger of The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Tuesday that he has approved the merger of the state’s two public media organizations, The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS. As part of a 421-page decision, Neronha determined that the combining of the two entities will constitute a public benefit. “Public media contributes uniquely and substantially to […]
Posted inArticle, Business, Local, Politics
Attorney General Peter Neronha deems public media merger agreement complete
Now that the merger application is considered complete, Neronha says his office has 180 days to review the transaction and decide whether to approve it. The Federal Communications Commission has already signed off. The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS announced plans in November to join forces, with the idea of building a stronger public media organization […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For May 24
Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. Back in 2010, someone warned that Rhode Island was hurtling toward a worsening fiscal crisis, due to the crushing weight of unfunded public pensions and […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For December 7
Expect the unexpected in local politics, even in the relatively quiet run-up to the end of December. That truism played out this week, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) […]
