About Rhode Island PBS
Rhode Island’s only public television station.
Who We Are:
With the support of our members and sponsors, we serve the needs of all generations within Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. We spark imagination, explore our history and reflect the values of our diverse community. Guided by civic engagement, we provide unique, high-quality local, national and international programming, and digital content that educates, inspires and engages.
Our Vision:
Rhode Island PBS strives to be the most trusted resource for life-long enrichment and alternative, engaging content, reflecting the values of our diverse community.
FAQ
Why is this happening?
We are stronger together.
Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio are both trusted and respected institutions that have long traditions of telling stories that matter.
By combining resources and bringing together some of the most talented and compelling storytellers in the region, a unified joint media venture would meet new and existing audiences where they are, across platforms, to deliver innovative and dynamic content that reflects and serves the community.
The integrated entity will serve existing and expanded audiences across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Robust community engagement with diverse community partners will accelerate our growth together.
Together, we can better deliver on our missions. Together, we can achieve greater impact.
Is one organization taking over?
No. Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio will play equal roles, as we build a dynamic and innovative new organization.
How will this affect me?
As a nonprofit public service organization, our priority is our community, and we will be building this new organization with you: the public. We anticipate that we will be able to offer our community a deeper and richer experience, while preserving the things you love most about Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio. Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio will launch an inclusive community engagement process to help create a vision for a combined public media organization that engages more audiences across the region. To receive updates, sign up for our e-newsletter.
What will happen to my favorite programs?
Our programming and services will continue to grow. In the short term, you’ll continue to hear and see your favorite programs and, in the long term, we will be able to provide more of the content you love, in more ways, to suit your needs and preferences.
How did the boards make this decision?
Over the past year, organizational leadership and the respective boards of Rhode Island PBS Foundation and The Public’s Radio met to discuss the value and benefits to the community of merging the organizations.
The two boards decided to take a serious look at the feasibility of combining the two organizations in late 2022. After many months of thoughtful conversation, the boards decided that we would be stronger together, and better able to serve the community needs. The boards officially voted to merge on Nov. 8, 2023.
RIPBS, The Public’s Radio Plan to Merge
GBH, Frontline Veteran Named CEO for Public Media in Rhode Island