Decoder with Nilay Patel

Recode Decode: PBS CEO Paula Kerger

Apr 15, 2019

Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS, shares her insights from over 13 years at the helm, navigating public broadcasting through political challenges. She discusses the impact of proposed federal funding cuts, especially on rural communities. Kerger highlights PBS's shift to digital media and innovative strategies, including virtual reality and engaging children’s programming. The conversation also touches on PBS's role amidst competitors like Netflix and emphasizes the importance of community support to sustain its mission.

55:20

Episode guests

Paula Kerger

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Evolution and Impact of Public Broadcasting

15min

Navigating the Future of PBS in a Streaming World

3min

Navigating Media's New Terrain

18min

The Threat to Public Broadcasting and Ways to Advocate for PBS

2min

The Future of Public Broadcasting Funding

10min

Advocacy and Innovation in Public Broadcasting

6min

Paula Kerger, the president and CEO of PBS, talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about the state of public media as President Trump is trying to cut its federal funding.

In this episode: How Kerger got to PBS 13 years ago; why running it is more like running a co-op than a normal company; the decline of local media; how public media is funded; bringing PBS into the digital age; why it’s backed off of Netflix in favor of competitors like Amazon; YouTube isn’t just a stepping-stone to TV; the commercial cable channels that gave up on PBS-style content; how important is broadcast for PBS’ future?; how it builds for mobile streaming; investigative journalism in VR; has content changed in the digital era?; kids’ shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood; Trump’s proposal to close the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; why that would hurt rural communities the most; why PBS is not “liberal”; and where will PBS be in 20 years?

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