Public Media Honor Roll | Current

Public Media Honor Roll | Current

The Public Media Honor Roll is a way for you to thank those who have made a lasting impact on you or on our field. Current created the Honor Roll to cultivate a tradition of gratitude in public media. For each donation of $75, you may add a name to this growing “who’s who” of awesomeness. Deceased honorees are marked with ^. If your honoree is already listed, we will add your name in the donor column.

2020 HONOR ROLL

HONOREE

Ronnie Agnew

Ernesto Aguilar  
Yamiche Alcindor

David Alvarez
Jay Allison
Tom Axtell
Carlos Barrionuevo 
John Barth

Deb Blakeley
Francene Blythe
Paul Buckner 
Sylvia Bugg

Peter Burger
Liz Cheng 
Sandra Clark

Terry Clifford

John Crigler

Kristen Crockett
Les Crystal^
Vinnie Curren
Vanessa de la Torre
Garry Denny

Julie Drizin
Bobbi English^
Rick Eytcheson 
Leanne Ferrer
Leslie Fields-Cruz
Sally Jo Fifer

Ira Glass
Stephen Gong
David Greene
Ericka Cruz Guevarra
Paul Haaga, Jr.
John L Hanson, Jr.

Susan Harmon
Pamela Herman
Stanford Herlick^

Murray Horwitz
Rita Houston^ 

Susan Howarth^
Leoneda Inge
Danyell Irby
Mona Isler
Bill Johnson
Sally Kane

Jefferi Lee
Jordan Lee

Will Lewis
David Liroff
Larry Josephson
Bobbi Kennedy
Sachi Kobayashi
Jim Lehrer^   
Jane Lindholm
Joyce MacDonald

Deanna Mackey 
Ida Maldonado
Ju-Don Marshall


Kevin Martin

Matt Martinez
Edward Matheny
Jon McTaggart  
Doug Mitchell


Travis Mitchell

Amanda Mountain
James Muhammad
Martin Neeb^
Carey Needham
Christopher Norris
Joe O’Connor
LaFontaine Oliver 
Luis Ortiz

Betsy Pilkington
John Porter

Don Quayle^
Veronica Varela Reyes

Mike Riksen
Tammy Robinson

Ralph Rogers^
Wick Rowland
Lisa Rudman
Stu Rushfield
Quyen Ho Shanahan
Israel Smith
Andrea Sosa

Mike Starling
Sreedevi Sripathy
Nikki Swarn

Jayme Swain
Tom Thomas

Donald Thoms  
Jay Trachtenberg
Vinnee Tong

Lois Vossen 
Bruce Warren
Clara Wilkerson
Judy Woodruff
Keith Woods

DONOR

Julie Drizin
Cynthia Fenneman
Julie Drizin
Sandra Clark
Debbie Hiott
Davia Nelson
Mary Mazur
Julie Drizin
Alison Scholly
Jake Shapiro
Katie Kemple
Cynthia Fenneman
Julie Drizin
Donald Thoms
Jim Schachter
Julie Drizin
Ann Alquist
David Brugger and
Dennis Haarsager
Susan Harmon and
Melodie Virtue
Cynthia Fenneman
Ghada Mashamoun
Marc Hand
SaraRobertson
Sally Jo Fifer and
Patricia Aufderheide
Kara McGuirk
Tina Waganer
Jun Reina
Cynthia Fenneman
Cynthia Fenneman
Patricia Aufderheide
Kevin Martin
Jay Allison
Cynthia Fenneman
Scott Simon
Vinnee Tong
Jarl Mohn
Ida Maldonado
Marc Hand
Stuart Zuckerman
Nicholas Herlick
Timothy Owens
Rebekah Radisch, 
Chuck Singleton and
Tom Livingston
Jack Conely
Jennifer Fusco
LaFontaine Oliver
Susan Rogers
Julie Drizin
Mollie Kabler
Julie Drizin
Julie Drizin
Gregg Lewis
David Brugger
Jim Russell
Linda O’Bryon
Amanda Mountain
Judy Woodward
Mark Vogelzang
Gary Knell
Julie Drizin
Debbie Hiott
Joe O’Connor and
Julie Drizin
Patricia Aufderheide
Julie Drizin
Kliff Kuehl
Bill Kling
Maryanne Zeleznik and
Julie Drizin
Cynthia Fenneman
Cynthia Fenneman
Julie Drizin
Michael Marcotte
Matthew McCormick
Sreedevi Sripathy
Ju-Don Marshall
Paul Haaga, Jr
Cynthia Fenneman
Ida Maldonado
Richard Russell
Bill Siemering
Deanna Mackey
Paul Haaga, Jr.
Carmen DiRienzo
Erin Moran
Josh Shepperd
Making Contact Staff & Board
Scott Simon
Mark Fuerst
Katie Kemple
Cynthia Fenneman
Carlos Barrionuevo
Julie Drizin
Amanda Mountain
Vinnie Curren
David Brugger and
Dennis Haarsager
Julie Drizin
Debbie Hiott
Julie Drizin
Courtney Pledger
Mark Fuerst
Cynthia Fenneman
Mark Leonard
Ju-Don Marshall

Who do you think belongs on this list? Who inspired you? You can add a name to the Public Media Honor Roll by making a tax deductible donation of $75 or more to Current. If you provide us with your honoree’s email address, we’ll let them know you made the gift to honor them.

2019 HONOR ROLL

Barbara Appleby^
Governor Gerald Baliles^
Ron Bornstein
David Brugger
Tom Byrne
Ruby Calvert
Bob Christiansen^
Luis Clemens
Terry Clifford
Dan Colgan
John Crigler
Sean Demery^
Anne Dhu McLucas^
David Donald^
Julie Drizin
Bobbi English^
Jim Fellows^
John Felton^
Martha Foley
Jack Galmiche^
Jonathan Gallant
Frieda Hennock^
Lewis Hill^
Susan Howarth^
Al Hulsen
Jay Iselin^
Bill Jaker^
Ron Jones
Mollie Kabler
Jay Kernis
Nico Leone
Pete Loewenstein
Robin MacNeil
Gary Margason
Caryn Mathes
Lorenzo Milam
Jack Mitchell
Jarl Mohn
Jim Pagliarini
Lise Paradis
Norm Pellegrini^
Kathy and Mike Quattrone
Don Quayle^
Steve Rathe
Bill Reed^
Robert Reed^
Dr. Carol Reuss^
Cokie Roberts^
Ernie Sanchez
Mel Sather^
Louie Schwartz^
Annie Shreffler
Lisa Shumate
John Siceloff^
Bill Siemering
Norm Silverstein
Art Singer^
Judy Sonstegard^
Hari Sreenivasan
Tom Thomas
Keith Tyler^
Larry Unger
Judith Vecchione
George Walker^
Cato Weatherspoon III^
Colleen Wilson
Bob Woods^
Keith Woods
Lloyd Wright
Joe Zesbaugh
The Staff of NHPR
The Team at WORLD Channel

WHO MADE A DONATION TO CURRENT TO HONOR THESE INDIVIDUALS?

  • Jarl Mohn donated in honor of the late Cokie Roberts, “who as one of the ‘Founding Mothers’ of NPR, did so much to invent public radio, a new kind of audio storytelling and inspired a whole new generation of journalists. Cokie built the foundation of the institution that so many others got to be a part of.”
  • Amy ShawJon AbbottLisa ShumateJeff RegenScott Finn, and Ed Ulman gave to honor the late Jack Galmiche, the longtime CEO of the Nine Network in St. Louis, Missouri. Finn wrote, “Jack showed us how public media can inspire communities to change, while holding on to our journalistic values.”
  • Ruby Calvert donated in honor of Bobbi English. “As VP of marketing for Children’s Television Workshop, Bobbi loved her job, and everyone who knew or worked with Bobbi loved her. She was one of those special people who brought joy, laughter and friendship to everyone she touched – may we all remember and honor her for the beautiful way she lived her life and made us all better people.”
  • Henry Becton donated to honor Art Singer, who recently passed away. Becton wrote, “Art organized the Carnegie Commission which led to the Public Broadcasting Act and our system as we know it. At the Sloan Foundation, he helped fund the creation of NOVA and The American Experience.
  • Ronald Kramer and the board of the Hennock Institute donated to honor the memory of Frieda Hennock, the first woman to serve as an FCC Commissioner. “During her term at the Commission (1948-1955) Hennock was a tireless, unrelenting voice championing the reservation of frequencies for noncommercial, educational channel use (to the consternation of her fellow commissioners). It was largely through her efforts that the reservation of these frequencies, which form the basis for public broadcasting in the U.S., was accomplished.”
  • JJ Yore wrote, “Jim Fellows was the ‘father’ of Current. He felt it was critical for public media to have a strong journalism organization covering the industry. He was right!”
  • Barry Nelson donated in honor of Barbara Appleby. He wrote, “The world—especially the public media world—is a dimmer place without Barbara Appleby in it.”
  • Jon McTaggart named the late Bob Christiansen to the Honor Roll. The former Minnesota Public Radio classical music host, a founding voice of Classical 24, passed away this year.
  • Kliff Kuehl and KCPT named Bill Reed, former CEO of KCPT, who passed away in December. “He was key in educational programs for children in Kansas City; and also local programming. He was a pioneer in digital broadcasting.”
  • Carlota Almanza-Lumpkin gave to honor the memory of Cato Weatherspoon III of Detroit Public TV, who directed Detroit Black Journal and PBS LateNight America. “He outlined to broadcast students the importance of diversity in media management, board and advisory community oversight.”
  • Robert Ottenhoff donated in memory of Governor Gerald L. Baliles of Virginia, who chaired the PBS board of directors “during a tumultuous time.” Ottenhoff wrote that Baliles was “a great man, with honor and integrity…unequivocally determined to make the system better and more responsive because he was a such a passionate believer in the critical role of public television in American society.”
  • Robert Conrad named Norm Pellegrini, who served as program manager of WFMT from “the mid-1950s to 2009.”
  • David Othmer donated to honor former WNET President Jay Iselin, who launched many national pub TV shows: Dance in America, and Theater in America (which became Great Performances), Nature, Bill Moyers Journal, Tony Browns Journal and the Robert MacNeil Report (NewsHour).
  • Linda O’Bryon gave in memory of John Felton, retired VP for Programming of WPBT, who recently passed away. “He was a public media pioneer, leader and a mentor.”
  • Jack Conely donated to honor the late WEDU CEO Susan Howarth. He wrote, “Susan Howarth was a leader in public media and was a friend, a mentor and a pioneer for many.”
  • Tom Rieland donated to honor the late Keith Tyler, who “for decades led Ohio State’s Institute for Education by Radio, organized an intrepid group of educators to go to DC for the FCC hearings to reserve channels for educational television…Without Keith Tyler’s efforts, many historians believe we would not have a PBS system today.
  • Laura Walker donated in memory of her late father George Walker, “who shared his love of radio with me.”
  • Gregory Keeler nominated Bill Jaker, who passed away in December, 2019. Jaker “worked 28 years for WSKG Public TV & Radio as a public affairs host, documentarian, and fundraiser. Bill’s rich baritone was lent to many projects including station IDs and other announcements.”
  • Bruce Theriault gave to honor the memory of Mel Sather, an Alaskan broadcast engineer who passed away December, 2019.
  • Jake Shapiro donated “in memory of my mother, Anne Dhu McLucas, who got me started listening to public radio in the 70s with Morning Pro Musica on WGBH and ME/ATC on all the carpool rides to school.”
  • Bill Kling named Al Hulsen, the first Director of Radio at CPB “who laid the plan for both NPR and the station community Service Grants.”
  • Charles Reinsch donated to honor Lewis Hill, the founder of Pacifica Radio, who he said was “someone who could imagine radio actually owned by and operated for the benefit of the people.” Reinsch also gave to honor the founders of listener supported KRAB, Seattle: Lorenzo Wilson Milam, Gary Margason and Jonathan Gallant.
  • Tom Thomas and Terry Clifford named John Crigler to the Honor Roll. “John Crigler’s legal expertise and generosity of time and spirit have empowered thousands of public media voices across scores of stations and organizations, including our own.”
  • John Crigler donated to honor Tom Thomas and Terry Clifford. “For many years, Tom and Terry have helped public media see the future, then become the best of what it has to offer.”
  • Larry Miller named Louie Schwartz and Bob Woods. “As I retire today after 48 years representing public broadcasters, I recall with gratitude the lawyers who taught me how to do it.”
  • Tanya Ott honored Martha Foley who retired this year from North Country Public Radio. “A newsroom leader and inspiration to many, myself included. You’ll be missed!”
  • Colleen Wilson donated in honor of Jim Pagliarini, “a fearless advocate for bold thinking that’s exemplified in Next Avenue — public media’s first and only digital journalism service designed especially for America’s booming 50+ population.”
  • LaFontaine Oliver donated to honor Caryn Mathes who he says, “was a mentor to me before she ever knew I existed.”
  • David Goodman named Annie Shreffler. “A long time friend and colleague, Annie reached out to me earlier this year for production consulting and as a result I’m working now at a major station. Thanks Annie!”
  • Ann Alquist named KCUR’s Ron Jones, for his “too many contributions to name, but in particular for his work advancing and infusing community engagement in the content production process. He is transforming public media!”
  • Maureen McMurray added NHPR’s Operations Manager and Midday Host Dan Colgan. She wrote, “Dan joined the station in 1995 and is essential in keeping the broadcast strong for listeners across the state. Neither snow nor ice storms nor holidays nor breaking news stays this man from the swift completion of his daily duties. He is a gem.”
  • Julie Drizin named former CEO of APTS David Brugger. A public media veteran and member of Current’s Advisory Group, David has been tremendously generous with advice and support of Current.
  • Mollie Kabler gave to honor Lise Paradis, who “has made a significant contribution to public media in Alaska for two decades. Her financial stewardship and expertise have been key to CoastAlaska station successes.”
  • Tim Owens named Steve Rathe, who he wrote, “is not only one of public radio’s earliest performance programming pioneers, but he was also really good at identifying budding radio talent. I owe a great deal to Steve for bringing me to NPR and helping me in developing NPR’s jazz programming. Thank you, Steve.”
  • Greg Petrowich and WFYI named Lloyd Wright, to honor his 30 years of service to the station. Wright retired in 2019.
  • Carlos Barrionuevo gave in honor of Pete Loewenstein, “whose commitment to making public radio a better place was never in doubt and who always treated everyone with grace, dignity and respect.”
  • Steve Rathe nominated Ernie Sanchez. Steve wrote, “As Counsel to CPB, NPR and so many stations and producers, Ernie has specialized in melding due diligence with the art of the possible, enabling scores of imaginative ideas to become the programs and stations that have distinguished public radio.
  • WXXI named its longtime leader Norm Silverstein to the honor roll. Susan Rogers wrote, “WXXI’s Norm Silverstein will mark 25 years as President and CEO this coming December and we proudly recognize his tireless effort in growing Rochester’s Public Media station. By establishing WXXI as the region’s arts & culture leader and trusted news authority, Silvertein has made WXXI a vital community resource.”
  • Jim Schachter donated to honor his colleagues at NHPR who “inspire me every day with their creativity and commitment.”
  • Liz Cheng made a gift in honor of The Team at WORLD Channel. “A small team, they are nevertheless punching above their weight every day with national awards, more stations joining every month and incredible original content focused on makers and communities of difference.”
  • Eric Nuzum donated to honor Jay Kernis. He wrote, “Jay gave the public radio system so much (both as a program creator and as a leader) that we almost can’t thank him enough.”
  • Deanna Mackey honored her mentor Lisa Shumate, the board chair of the Public TV Major Market Group. Deanna wrote, “Lisa is all Southern charm combined with a steely determination to do the right thing…I appreciate her leadership and her generosity in giving her time & talent to my other passion, Public Media Women in Leadership.”
  • Becky Meiers of KCAW nominated Mollie Kabler. “I am so grateful for Mollie’s enduring support of all Alaska public radio stations,” she wrote.
  • Karen Everhart, Rob Sachs, Kara McGuirk, Elisabeth Perez-Luna, Mark Fuerst, Stewart Vanderwilt, Joyce MacDonald, Rob Stein, Mike Crane, Allison Scholly, Chuck Singleton, Linda O’Bryon and Brenda Barnes donated in honor of Current’s Executive Director Julie Drizin. Current Managing Editor Karen Everhart wrote, “My gift honors Julie for her strength and courage in recovering from her accident. Her determination to adapt to setbacks and keep improving strengthens Current and public media at large.” Kara McGuirk said, “You LITERALLY can’t keep this good woman down. Strength, determination, grit; all traits that once again prove my wonderful friend is a superhero.” Rob Sachs wrote, “From the very beginnings of my career to the present, Julie has been there for me as a colleague, mentor, and just overall wonderful person. Public media has been greatly enriched by all of her amazing work.”
  • Jim Lehrer donated in honor of his former co-host Robin MacNeilPaul Haaga donated in honor of former NPR CEO Jarl MohnNeal Shapiro nominated PBS NewsHour weekend host Hari SreenivasanJane Vincent donated in honor of Delaware Public’s News Director Tom ByrneAndrew Ramsammy donated to honor Judith Vecchione of WGBH. Bryce Kirchoff donated to honor Colleen Wilson, VP of Digital Publishing at Twin Cities PBS. Anita Bugg honored NPR’s Luis Clemens and Keith WoodsSteve Bass named Ron Bornstein, former director of the Pacific Mountain Network and GM of Wisconsin Public Radio. Mark VogelzangFeather Houstoun and John Barth honored public radio pioneer Bill SiemeringJosh Shepperd named Jack Mitchell, the first employee of National Public Radio. Cynthia Fenneman gave generously to honor Kathy and Mike QuattroneLarry Unger (CEO of Maryland Public Television) and Joe Zesbaugh. Larry Unger named CPB Board member Ruby Calvert to the Honor Roll. Robert Avery donated in memory of Robert ReedBill Siemering gave to honor the memory of Don Quayle, the first NPR president. Rebekah Radisch honored the late Dr. Carol Ruess, professor emeritus at UNC School of Journalism and Media. Ty West gave in memory of public TV producer John SiceloffCharles Lewis donated in David Donald‘s memory.

*Who do you think belongs on this list? Who inspired you? You can add a name to the Public Media Honor Roll by making a tax deductible donation of $75 or more to Current. If you provide us with your honoree’s email address, we’ll let them know you made the gift to honor them.

^Deceased; donations made in their memory

2018 PUBLIC MEDIA HONOR ROLL:

Bill Baker
Mary Bitterman
Julie Burstein
Ward Chamberlin^
Dan Colgan
Paul C. Corbin
Tom DuVal
Leslie Fields-Cruz
Peggy Girshman^
Betsy Harmon
Susan Harmon
Kevin Harris
Martha Harris
Chris Hastings
Madison Hodges^
Skip Hinton
Mollie Kabler
Helen Kennedy
Mary Beth Kirschner
Bill Kling
Boisfeuillet Jones, Jr.
Mike LaBonia
Herman Land
Jeremy Lansman
Leo Lee^
Jim Lewis
Linda O’Bryon
Michael Marcotte
Dan Miller^
Maggie Montgomery
Ronald Morriseau
Don Mullally^
Patricia Alvarado Nuñez
Maynard Orme
Tim Owens
Kathy Quattrone
Mike Quattrone
Don Quayle^
Roger Rhodes
Marita Rivero
Sharon Rockefeller
Nancy Southgate
Bill Stotesbery
Talia Stroud
Laura Walker
Doug Weiss
Richard Whitman^
Scott Williams
David Wright

Who made a donation to honor these individuals?

  • David Brugger wrote that “Mike LaBonia, Paul C. Corbin, Dan Miller equals three of the most competent station programmers ever; Leo Lee because of his dedication to independent radio producers; and Ward Chamberlin because he knew a good programming investment when he met one.”
  • Regina Dean honored Madison Hodges, who “became my lifelong mentor and dear friend when I was a high school student. He was a tremendous influence on so many of us and is greatly missed.”
  • Maureen McMurray named NHPR’s Operations Manager/Midday Host Dan Colgan. She said, “He started working part-time at NHPR in 1995 and has been ops manager since 2001. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep him from ensuring NHPR says on the air for all to hear. He is our guardian!”
  • Katie Koskenmaki wrote, “I’m nominating Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of Black Public Media, because this list wouldn’t be complete without her. Public media and its viewers need her leadership and all of Black Public Media.
  • Alison Scholly said, “I want to give thanks to Susan Harmon, who has worked so tirelessly in support of public media — either as a station leader, a mentor to many, a co-founder of Public Media Company or in her current capacity of passionate board member of PMC. Her energy and insight is invaluable to our institution and our industry as a whole.” Erin Moran also said, “I am pleased to give in honor of Susan Harmon who I have worked closely with for the past 16 years. Her leadership, enthusiasm, passion and business acumen are just a few of the many attributes that I admire.”
  • Dru Sefton named “Skip Hinton for his lifelong passion for public broadcasting. And, for all he taught me over the past 10 years covering the system. Thanks, Skip!”
  • Barbara Sams wrote, “I am proud to give this gift and acknowledge the leadership of Roger Rhodes as retiring Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS) who personally and professionally I admire for his dedication to public media.”
  • Jay Pearce donated, “in memory of my mentor, Don Mullally, who always encouraged me to “look beyond the horizon.’”
  • Brenda Barnes named Tom DuVal, Richard Whitman, and Martha Harris: “The great bosses and mentors who patiently helped me learn and grow.”
  • Steve Mencher: “Thanks, Laura Walker and Julie Burstein for hiring me, and teaching me the ways of public media.”
  • DeAnne Hamilton wrote, “I would like to celebrate and thank Mary Bitterman and Kevin Harris for their support and encouragement. Also for their love of public media! Thank you Mary & Kevin.
  • Bill Siemering honored “Don Quayle, the first NPR president and Bill Kling, president of MPR for furthering my career.”
  • Stuart Zuckerman named Bill Baker and Linda O’Bryon, “Baker hired me to be part of the launch of the PBS Sponsorship Group and O’Bryon hired me to be VP, Sales and Marketing for ‘Nightly Business Report.”
  • Ann Alquist nominated Maggie Montgomery and Mollie Kabler, about whom she said, “These two have shown tremendous leadership and proven that everyone cares about community driven media – no matter how far flung! Unsung heroines of public media.”
  • Kara McGuirk gave “in honor of my friend, Julie Drizin.”
  • Julie Drizin thanked April Simpson, Tyler Falk, Dru Sefton, Mike Janssen, Karen Everhart, Laura Rogers, Kelly Martin, Chris Campbell, Kathy Hartzell and Amanda Iannuzzi :for their hard work to keep public media informed and inspired.”

Jennifer Fusco named David Wright; Liz Cheng named Marita Rivero, Chris Hastings, and Patricia Alvarado Nuñez. Bill Thomas named Jeremy LansmanGhada Mashamoun honored Sharon Rockefeller and Boisfeuillet Jones, Jr.; Rodney Gibbs named Bill Stotesbery and Talia Stroud; Mike Flaster honored Tim Owens, Herman Land, Mary Beth Kirchner, Doug Weiss, and Michael Marcotte; Nick Herlick honored Maynard Orme, Betsy Harman, Jim Lewis and Helen Kennedy; Stephen McKenney Steck named Ronald Morrisseau; Cynthia Fenneman named Kathy Quattrone and Michael Quattrone;  Tanya Ott honored Scott Williams. Jennifer Lawson donated to honor PBS HewsHour; David Jackson named Nancy Southgate; Ellen Goodman honored Paula Jameson; Cameron Risher gave in honor of Mister Rogers; and anonymous donor honored Peggy Girshman; Chuck Lewis honored Julie Drizin.

^Deceased; donations made in their memory

2017 PUBLIC MEDIA HONOR ROLL:

Irma Aandahl^
Jon Abbott
Noah Adams
Margot Adler^
Susea Albee
Mary Anne Alhadeff
Chuck Allen
Marcia Alvar
Robert Avery
Bill Baker
Alisa Barba
John Barth
Al Bartholet
Jonathan Barzilay
Rod Bates
Stephen Behrens
Ginny Berson
Ron Bornstein
Dick Bowman
Lauren Bracey Scheidt
Jennifer Brandel
Paul Brown
Cindy Browne^
Ken Burns
Ed Burrows
Bill Buzenberg
Jack Caldwell
Fred Calland^
Elizabeth P. Campbell^
Frank Carlson
Henry Cauthen
Ailsa Chang
Farai Chideya
Bruce Christensen
Alan Cloe
Joey Cohn
Kate Concannon
Melanie Coulson
Gary Covino
Terry Clifford
Judy Crichton
Vinnie Curren
John Dinges
Peter Downey
Julie Drizin
Bob Edwards
C. Scott Elliott^
Bob Ellis
Karen Everhart
Bec Feldhaus Adams
James A. Fellows^
Cynthia Fenneman
Sally Jo Fifer
Michael Flaster
Sheryl Flowers^
Virginia Fox
Fred W. Friendly^
Mark Fuerst
Amy Goodman
Sue Goodwin
Larry Grossman
Arwa Gunja
Terry Gross
Vidal Guzmán^
David Haas
Barbara Hall
Jim Hammond
Henry Hampton^
Terry Harris
Patricia Harrison
Celeste Headlee
Maria Hinojosa
Skip Hinton
Kerri Hoffman
David Hosley
Ron Hull
E. Arthur Hungerford^
Alberto Ibarguen
Gwen Ifill^
Dave Isay
Maxie Jackson
Kit Jensen
Al Jerome
Boisfeuillet Jones
Margaret Juntwait^
Sally Kane
Nat Katzman
Paula Kerger
Jay Kernis
Suki Kim
Bill Kobin
Kathryn Kolbert
Kliff Kuehl
Christina Kuzmych
Arnie Labaton
Janis Lane-Ewart
Rick Lehner
Jim Lehrer
David Liroff
Ralph Lowenstein
Bill Lund
Joyce MacDonald
Deanna Mackey
Bob Malesky
William Marcus
Chalmers (Chuck) Marquis
José Massó
Jack McBride^
Bill McCarter^
Kara McGuirk-Allison
Dick McPherson
Kristen Meinzer
Margo Melnicove
Kathy Merritt
George Miles
Doug Mitchell
Jack Mitchell
Renee Montagne
John A. Montgomery^
Robert Montiegel^
Bill Moyers
Peter Morrill
Bill Mozer
Bruce Mundt
Stanley Nelson
Femi Oke
Maynard Orme
Richard Ottinger^
Jim Pagliarini
Marika Partridge
Elisabeth Perez-Luna
Patricia Perini^
Kasia Podbielski
Ed Pfister
John Porter
Len Press
David Preston
Norm Prusslin
Adam Ragusea
Raul Ramirez^
Donovan Reynolds
Jonathan Rice^
Fiona Ritchie
Cokie Roberts
Tammy Robinson
Ellen Rocco
Sharon Rockefeller
(Mister) Fred Rogers^
Sheila Rue
Ursula Ruedenberg
Amy Salit
Nicole Sawaya
Sue Schardt
Rick Schneider
Louis Schwartz^
Dru Sefton
Lyn Seymour
Lisa Shumate
Robert Siegel
Bill Siemering
Scott Simon
Howard A. Simpson
Israel Smith
Susan Stamberg
Al Stavitsky
David Stewart
Bill Stotesbery
Ray Suarez
Tom Thomas
Nina Totenberg
Bede Trantina
Adaora Udoji
Shankar Vedantam
Donna Vestal
Lois Vossen
Laura Walker
Mac Wall
Margaret Warner
Linda Wertheimer
Craig Windham^
Judy Woodruff
Lloyd Wright
JJ Yore

Who made a donation to honor these individuals?

  • Diane Rehm donated to honor Irma Aandahl, “my first contact with public radio and my supervisor for four years. She taught me civility, honesty, and generosity of spirit in broadcasting. I will be forever grateful to her for my career.”
  • Kate Sandweiss named “Jim Pagliarini: in appreciation for introducing me to the public media system, his ongoing wisdom and generous spirit. Skip Hinton: in recognition of the great welcome, counsel and support he gave to so many people in public media over the decades.”
  • Sandra Welch named Len Press. “Len was the founder of Kentucky Educational Television and my boss/mentor for 20 years. He was an amazing visionary who believed in the power of public media to impact individuals through education, civic engagement, and cultural enrichment. He gave me opportunities and support to operationalize much of his vision and be part of the growth of public television both in Kentucky and nationally.”
  • Sandra Welch also named Virginia Fox. “Ginny was one of Len’s first hired developing the education services and eventually succeeding Len as Executive Director of KET. I was 24 years old when she hired me, and had no idea what public television was about…But she provided enormous encouragement and support as we all learned together and began the amazing journey of creating KET. Ginny gave me some of the most valuable lessons of my life about the equality of women in the workplace.”
  • John Lawson donated to honor Henry Cauthen. “Henry is a legendary figure from the founding generation of public media. He had the vision and chops to make SCETV both a vital educational institution AND a leading producer for PBS and NPR. Creating this juggernaut in a then-poor southern state made it even more remarkable. Taking a chance, Henry gave me my first job in public media and taught me that entrepreneurship and public service go hand in hand.
  • Ann Alquist wrote, “My public media hero is Janis Lane-Ewart! One of a handful of African American women who have led a public media outlet, I was her first hire at KFAI. It was the beginning of a transformative mentorship, and now a deeply cherished friendship.”
  • Christine Dempsey wrote, “This is in memory of Margaret Juntwait. One of the most talented broadcasters I ever worked with, and all around wonderful person. She is missed.”
  • Brian Bull wrote, “I make this donation in honor of my mentor, Margo Melnicove, who gave me a huge break by accepting me into the NPR Diversity Initiative nearly 20 years ago, and to Terry Harris, my first boss at a public radio network, South Dakota Public Broadcasting.”
  • Susie Niarhos gave “in honor of Al Bartholet, retired Executive Director of WMRA. Al created an environment that moved the staff to excel. His leadership and vision moved WMRA into the community and into the black. I’m honored to have worked with one of Public Radio’s BEST!”
  • Magaly Rivera gave “in remembrance of Raul Ramirez, board member of the Latino Public Radio Consortium and KQED’s News Director. Grateful for the impact of your work within public media.”
  • Chuck Singleton donated “in honor of Ralph Jennings: the best public radio mentor one could have, and a fighter for civil rights in journalism and media ownership.”
  • Josh Shepperd named “Jack Mitchell: in honor of the first employee of NPR.”
  • Joe Zesbaugh gave to honor Bob Ellis. “Bob hired me at KAET as program director, the start of a 30+ year career in public media. Thanks, Bob.”
  • Joyce MacDonald donated in honor of Kit Jensen. “Kit has inspired me throughout my public media career.”
  • JJ Yore named Jim Fellows. “Jim is the man who made Current possible many, many years ago. He was one of the great visionaries in our industry. He was also a great friend. This donation is in his memory.”
  • Robert Avery donated “to honor the three men who introduced me to the ideals of public service broadcasting. E. Arthur Hungerford, James A. Fellows and Fred W. Friendly.”
  • Ann Engelman named the late Cindy Browne, who “cared deeply about public media. She helped grow KTCA, Iowa Public Radio and she published widely. Her papers “Strategic Advantage: Women as Station Leaders,” and “Analyzing Change Models” are still relevant. She mentored many. She was always ahead of the curve. She modeled integrity, diplomacy and was not afraid of the fight. She made a difference in our system. And FUN, oh my yes. She is sorely missed.”
  • Selena Lauterer wrote, “I’m giving in the name of former OPB president Maynard Orme. Maynard stands for public media in its purest and best sense, that we are here to serve our viewers/listeners and honor them as informed citizens.”
  • Mike Janssen nominated Paul Brown, “for teaching me to write for radio, tolerating my many novice screwups, and modeling the actions of a leader focused on community service and an effective workplace. He’s the best!”
  • Constance Huff named Bede Trantina “to honor the longest local Morning Edition host and a wonderful program director for KSKA, Anchorage, Alaska.”
  • Sandra Welch named Bruce Christiansen. “Bruce recruited me to come work for him at PBS as his Executive Vice President of Education. He also gave me an open agenda for developing new education services at PBS. He was a wonderful and supportive mentor who made my transition from working at the state level to the national world of PBS/CPB/APTS much easier. I’ll always be grateful of the opportunity he gave me and his support.”
  • Matt Martin named Nicole Sawaya, “a real radio radical whose laughter will always ring in my mind.”
  • Mike Wassenaar honored Bill Lund, who “ran KBEM, the Minneapolis High School station for 15 years and had an enormous effect on broadcast education and independent public media.”
  • Katie Koskenmaki nominated Lois Vossen, Executive Producer of Independent Lens, “because she manages to bring commercial caliber documentaries to PBS while still retaining her public media kindness.”
  • Bill Siemering named Terry Gross, whose “research and intelligent, insightful, thoughtful questioning on ‘Fresh Air’ can be a master class in the art of interviewing. Terry’s over 30 years of interviews is an invaluable archive of our cultural history.”
  • Bill Siemering also named Susan Stamberg because she “gave voice to NPR in the beginning: bright, curious, thoughtful, respectful and fun. She continues to this day to produce pieces you sit up to listen to. She exemplifies strong on-air presence.”
  • Andi McDaniel honored John Daenzer: “John is a gifted manager and devoted mentor. He is a keen judge of talent and saw what I was capable of long before I did. I’m grateful to him for the many hours of counsel and support he’s offered me as I’ve undergone the growing pains of leadership. He is a man of great integrity, and the rare leader who wears his heart on his sleeve. I wouldn’t be where I am without him..and I’m not the only one.”
  • Mollie Kabler donated “in honor of Susea Albee for her more than a decade of board service and belief in collaboration in public media. Also, Marika Partridge, for encouraging me into public radio in the very beginning.”
  • Kara McGuirk-Allison wrote, “There are so many incredible people in public radio who have influenced me. I’m highlighting Sheila Rue, Bob Malesky, Shankar Vedantam, and Julie Drizin, because they all gave me a chance at various points in my career, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
  • Ghana Mashamoun named Frank Carlson, Margaret Warner, Boisfeuillet Jones, and Sharon Rockefeller.
  • Kathryn Kolbert wrote that this “gift is in honor of the wonderful, inspiring innovative staff at Justice Talking. Truly a privilege to work with all of you.”
  • Jeff Rutenbeck donated “on behalf of the amazing, dedicated staff at Current: thanks for everything you all do.”
  • Julie Drizin named Amy Salit, Mark Fuerst, Vinnie Curren, Elisabeth Perez-Luna, Ginny Berson, Amy Goodman, David Haas, Doug Mitchell, Dave Isay, Maxie Jackson, Sheryl Flowers, Margot Adler, Kara McGuirk-Allison, Kathryn Kolbert, Sue Schardt, Maria Hinojosa, Stephen Behrens, Adam Ragusea, JJ Yore and Mister Rogers.

Wayne Roth remembered Mark Handley; Al Stavitsky honored Robert Avery; Bryce Kirchhoff named Jim Pagliarini; June Fox named Jim Hammond; Dianne Brace nominated Barbara Hall; Jeremy Bernfeld named Donna Vestal; Elizabeth Sosa Bailey remembered Kathy Rogers; Nathan Moore thanked Sally Kane; Kerry Donohue named Kerri Hoffman and Ailsa Chang; Kerri Hoffman named John Barth; Norman Stockwell named Ursula Ruedenberg; Jeffrey Regen named Deanna Mackey, Dick McPherson and David Preston; Lawrence Miller honored Louis Schwartz; Gabe Bullard honored Donovan Reynolds; Dan Newman thanks Lauren Bracey Scheidt; Phil Meyer honored C. Scott Elliott; Dru Sefton named Peter Morrill; Rick Schneider named Rick Lehner, Lyn Seymour, Ron Bernstein and Alberto Ibarguen.

*Who do you think belongs on this list? Who inspired you? You can add a name to the Public Media Honor Roll by making a tax deductible donation off $75 to Current. If you provide us with your honoree’s email address, we’ll let them know you made the gift to honor them.

^Deceased; donations made in their memory