“When we say we are eliminating filled positions, we are talking about our colleagues – people whose skills, spirit and talents help make NPR what it is today,” Lansing wrote in a memo to staff today. “This will be a major loss.”

On an annual budget of roughly $300 million, Lansing says, revenues are likely to fall short by close to $30 million, although that gap could reach $32 million.

“We’re not seeing signs of a recovery in the advertising market,” Lansing says in an interview. “Nothing is nailed down yet except the principles and what we know we have to reach.”

The post NPR’s chief executive announced the network would lay off roughly 10% of its current workforce appeared first on Public Media Now.

Ronnie Agnew brings more than 35 years of experience working in, and leading, media organizations. He most recently served as the executive director for Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB), a role he held since 2011.

 “I consider it an incredible honor to be chosen to lead WOSU, an organization with an outstanding national reputation in public media,” Agnew said. “I am committed that WOSU will continue to capture the vibrancy of the region and connect with its diverse audiences. This is a special moment for me, to be back in Ohio where I was a young journalist, leading an organization that is so respected by the residents of central Ohio.”

As executive director for MPB, Agnew led statewide radio and television programming that reached every Mississippi household; had oversight of the agency’s legislative, education and digital initiatives; and managed its $12 million budget and 94 employees.

An endowment in Rieland’s honor has been established and Agnew will become the first person to hold the “Thomas Rieland Endowed WOSU General Manager” position. The endowed position will support the role of general manager at WOSU in perpetuity while providing future general managers annual discretionary funding.

Agnew recently finished a second term on the national PBS Board of Directors and remains on PBS’ editorial standards committee, where he was instrumental in a major revision of the standards. He also chaired PBS’ Diversity and Nominating committees. Agnew is former board chairman of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) and was executive committee chairman of the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). Agnew recently finished a term as board chairman of American Public Television, the largest syndicator of content to U.S. public media stations. He is a member of the Organization of State Broadcasting Executives.

Big congratulation goes out to Ronnie Agnew for this new role, and all of the accomplishments so far! Looking forward to more great things to come!

The post Ronnie Agnew, named the new general manager of WOSU Public Media appeared first on Public Media Now.

From NPR Press Release:

“Nik has an impressive track record of leadership in both engineering and media with executive leadership roles,” said NPR President and CEO John Lansing. “As VP Engineering, Nik will help us anticipate and serve the changing needs of a new generation of audio listeners and news consumers, and play a leading role in creating and executing a technical strategy to grow the business. Importantly, Nik has experience overseeing strategic digital work with content partners. .”

“For my family and me, NPR has been a part of our daily lives for years. The wide range of thoughtful content opens up our minds in so many ways! I am excited at the opportunity to help innovate and grow NPR’s technology platforms and consumer applications to provide the best possible experience for listeners and readers,” added Khilnani. “It is an honor to work with such a talented group of colleagues toward the growth and success of NPR and its Member stations.”

Prior to joining NPR, Nik Khilnani served as VP of Engineering at Lurn Inc, Senior Director of Platform Engineering at the Walt Disney Company, and Senior Director, Platform Development, Digital Products Technology at National Geographic. He earned his bachelor’s in computer science from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his MBA in Marketing and Product Development from the University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business.

The post Meet Nik Khilnani, NPR’s New VP of Engineering appeared first on Public Media Now.

The contest opens for entries today (Dec 1, 2021) and closes on Feb. 28, 2022. The grand-prize winner will receive $5,000, and the other finalists will receive $500 each. NPR wants to hear the ideas, the issues, the discussions that are bubbling up on campus.

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
They will begin collecting submissions on December 1, 2021. Professor help or involvement is not required.
The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2022.

FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-12
They will begin collecting submissions on January 1, 2021. Submissions must be supported by a teacher.
The deadline for submissions isn March 21, 2022.

Learn More: https://studentpodcastchallenge22.splashthat.com/

The post NPR’s College Podcast Challenge with a $5,000 prize! appeared first on Public Media Now.

The event is August 3, 2019, from 4 pm – 7 pm at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, California. Tickets available here.

The post The African Artists’ Association and Black Public Media Team Up with VR Event appeared first on Public Media Now.

The post Who’s Winning the Smart Speaker / Voice Battle? appeared first on Public Media Now.