The Feb. 2 announcement of Padgett’s leadership comes after Ronnie Agnew left WOSU in October 2022. Padgett holds 30 years of broadcast industry experience and is departing from his position as president and CEO of South Carolina ETV, according to the WOSU press release. Though he’s had many media experiences, Padgett said the essence of his work remains the same.

“I really believe public media lies in giving a voice to people that otherwise would not have had as loud a voice,” Padgett said. “There’s something extremely humbling and profound about taking those ideas and words and knowing the impacts you’ll have on people.”

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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!

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