Patricia de Stacy Harrison, president and chief executive officer of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), participated in a public talk at the Wilson School on April 18, 2012, as part of the School’s “Media and Public Policy” thematic lecture series. Joe Fichera, visiting lecturer of public and international affairs at the Wilson School, moderated the discussion.

Harrison discussed efforts that have been undertaken in the past few years by CPB to strengthen public service media in three important areas: digital – investments in innovation and technology; dialogue – investments in local community engagement, partnerships and service; and diversity – investments in and commitment to diversity of content, talent and service.  

Harrison also talked of the budgetary climate in Washington and how it has an impact on programming and outreach efforts by local public media affiliates across the country. Discussing “American public media,” Harrison spoke of how CPB provides a reporting venue that tells stories in a unique and compelling way that has relevance to American daily life.   

To listen to the entire discussion: