New president announced to lead merged PBS, The Public’s Radio organization

A Massachusetts broadcast journalism veteran will head up Rhode Island’s newly merged public media organization.

The joint board overseeing the merger of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio named Pam Johnston as its new president and CEO Tuesday. Johnston brings 30 years of experience to the job, most recently serving as general manager of news for GBH in Boston, according to an organization statement.

Merger of The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS approved

“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,” Elizabeth Delude-Dix, co-chair of the organization’s board and former chair of the board of directors of The Public’s Radio, said in a statement. “Pam is a visionary leader who has a deep understanding of audience engagement, practical expertise in digital transformation, and innovative ideas for the future.”

Johnston, who will start Aug. 19, replaces David Piccerelli, formerly president of Rhode Island PBS, and Torey Malatia, formerly the president, CEO, and general manager of The Public’s Radio. Piccerelli and Malatia have served as co-CEOs since the merger was set in motion, and will be available during the leadership transition, the statement said.

A spokesperson for the new organization declined to disclose Johnston’s salary.

The two Rhode Island media organizations first announced plans to merge as a single entity in November, citing the benefits of combined talent and resources. The merger received requisite approvals from the Federal Communications Commission and the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General in January and April, respectively.

“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,” Dave Laverty, the former chair of the Rhode Island PBS Foundation Board said in a statement. “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.”

Johnston served four years as general manager for GBH news before stepping down in May, according to her resume.

Under her leadership, the GBH news team earned numerous awards and accolades, increased its digital output and reach, and doubled its total audience footprint. Prior to that role, Johnston was a senior leader at PBS’s flagship investigative documentary series, FRONTLINE, where she focused on audience development and expanding journalism onto new platforms. 

“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,” Johnston said in a statement. “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.”

Johnston also held leadership roles with Beth Israel Lahey Health and Gather.com, both based in Massachusetts. Earlier in her career, Johnston worked in local TV in Boston; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Portland, Maine. 

She has a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, according to her resume.

The merged organization will launch in “the coming months” following a public engagement process involving existing staff, supporters and community members to develop a new name and brand, according to a statement.