Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS will merge to create a new statewide public media organization.
The new group, set to launch following all necessary approvals in July 2021, will be led by by current VPR President/CEO Scott Finn with acting Vermont PBS CEO Steve Ferreira serving as COO. The new board of directors will include all current members of both group’s boards.
The groups will work together over to coming months to develop their integration plan and claim they will be able to expand their programming to offer audiences deeper, richer experiences upon the combination.
Vermont Public Radio currently operates two programming networks. VPR News airs on six stations and five translators across the state. VPR Classical runs on eight stations and ten translators.
Today, the boards of Vermont PBS and Vermont Public Radio unanimously voted to join together to create a new public media organization, to better serve the community.
The new organization will be led by Scott Finn, current president and CEO of VPR. Steve Ferreira, acting Vermont PBS CEO, will serve as COO.
“It’s never been more important to strengthen public media and build deeper connections within our community,” said Marguerite Dibble, chair of the Vermont PBS Board. “After many successful collaborations, we’ve recognized that these two organizations share a mission and vision to connect Vermonters. By teaming up, we will be better positioned to serve the community.”
“The media landscape is rapidly changing, and the needs of our audiences are evolving,” said Charlie Browne, VPR’s board chair. “Together, our talents and complementary offerings will provide our audience with the ability to experience education, news, culture, the arts, and local content in a variety of formats, to meet their individual needs.”
Nicole Junas Ravlin will serve as the chair of the new board of directors, and Marguerite Dibble will serve as vice chair. The new board will consist of existing VPR and Vermont PBS directors.
Today’s announcement is the first step in building a new, combined public media organization for Vermont. The new organization’s anticipated launch date is July 1, 2021, and is contingent upon regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission and IRS recognition of tax-exempt status.
Over the next several months, VPR and Vermont PBS will work together to develop an integration plan. Both entities, along with their respective boards, will continue to exist independently throughout the integration period.
“The staff and supporters of both organizations will play an integral role in shaping the new organization,” said Finn. “Over the next few months, we’ll be reaching out across our listening and viewing areas, to connect with the community as we make plans for the future.”
Existing viewers and listeners will continue to see and hear all the programming they love, Finn said. By integrating, VPR and Vermont PBS will be able to expand their programming to offer audiences deeper, richer experiences.
“The talent at these two organizations is tremendous,” said Finn. “Their experience, passion, and collective commitment to serving the community inspires me. By coming together, we’ll have the ability to do even more – tell more stories, enhance promotion of art and culture, share educational resources, and connect neighbors. There’s so much opportunity. This is an exciting moment for all of us.”
“Vermont PBS and VPR are institutions,” said Ravlin, who will lead the new board of directors. “Amid so much change in the world, public media, and the service it provides to Vermont and its communities, is more important than ever. By coming together we can ensure our mission strengthens and grows for generations to come.”
