As Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio complete their merger, the combined organization has named Pam Johnston as President/CEO.
Johnson recently resigned from her position as General Manager of News at Boston based GBH ahead of her taking this position. She was at GBH from Jun 2020 until May. She began her career in commercial television as a producer at WMTW Portland, WRAL Raleigh, and then Assistant News Director and News Director at WLVI Boston. After a couple years at Lahey Health and Gather.com, she joined PBS’ Frontline as Senior Director of Audience Development in 2012 before rising to Senior Director of Strategy & Audience in 2018.
She will begin her new role on August 19 with the first mission to launch an “inclusive engagement process, steeped in listening and learning, which will involve staff and reporters, underwriters and supporters, and the community at large–to develop a new name and brand as the organization continues to bring together its teams, operations, and an enhanced slate of programming.” Former RI PBS President David Piccerelli and The Public’s Radio President/CEO/General Manager Torey Malatia, who have been serving as co-CEOs since the merger approval will remain on for a transition period.
Board Co-Chairand former chair of The Public’s Radio Elizabeth Delude-Dix stated, ““The possibilities before us for public media in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts are incredibly exciting, and Pam Johnston has the passion, expertise, and creativity to build a world class organization. Pam is a visionary leader who has a deep understanding of audience engagement, practical expertise in digital transformation, and innovative ideas for the future.”
Co-Chair and former RI PBS chair Dave Laverty commented, “Since announcing this merger, the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our team, viewers, listeners, and beyond has reinforced our belief that we will be stronger and more dynamic together. Pam recognizes the magnitude of this opportunity and will be ready on day one to bring people together, and leverage our collective strengths to lead a more powerful and trusted public media source to better serve the community.”
Johnson added, “My passion for public media’s mission and service to our local community has never been stronger. I am honored to be stepping into this role at such a vital moment. At a time when trust in the media is eroding and societal gaps are widening, public media can play a critical role in fostering understanding, goodwill, and connection. I believe that here in Rhode Island we have the team, talent, and resources to redefine the very best of what public media can be.”
