PBS Creates Chief Content Officer Post

ARLINGTON, June 14: As part of its efforts to better serve
its audience in a multiplatform universe, PBS has tapped public broadcasting
veteran John Boland to fill the newly created role of chief content officer.

The announcement marks the first strategy shift at the
public broadcaster by recently installed president and CEO Paula A. Kerger. In
his new role, Boland will direct television programming, new media, education
and promotion. He will oversee the delivery of PBS' content through PBS member
stations, in classrooms and on multiple platforms, including online, on-demand
and via handheld devices.

"PBS and our member stations are undergoing a
transformation from traditional television broadcasting to a vibrant 21st
century digital public media service," said Kerger, who joined PBS as its
sixth president and CEO in March. "While continuing to provide our
excellent 'legacy' television programming and educational services, PBS will
embrace new technology to provide the highest quality content to audiences when,
where and how they wish.”

She continued, "John Boland is the ideal person to help
PBS realize the full potential of the digital revolution to serve and interact
with audiences in new and meaningful ways. He has successfully created a model
digital content organization at KQED, and is a respected leader in public
broadcasting. The combination of his public broadcasting track record, his
journalism background and his previous experience as a media executive in the
private sector make him uniquely qualified for this important position at this
pivotal moment."

Boland is currently executive VP and chief content officer
of KQED Public Broadcasting, the San Francisco-based organization that operates
the PBS and NPR stations in Northern California. He will join PBS in September,
operating out of its Arlington, Virginia headquarters. He will report to Kerger
and will oversee four departments: programming, education, online services and
promotion and brand management.