Mike Janssen

3 weeks ago | current.org | Tracie Powell |Mike Janssen

Much of the recent conversation around public media has centered around eliminating federal funding.But the issues facing independent broadcasting go well beyond congressional appropriations and grants. The model that once served millions, powered by a mix of federal funding, donor support and national syndication, no longer meets the needs of today’s information ecosystem.

4 weeks ago | current.org | Stuart N. Brotman |Mike Janssen

With the newly filed federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, the battle for the future of public broadcasting funding has moved to the courts at last. While litigation plays out, however, the battle for public opinion remains equally important — perhaps even more so. President Trump has been a longtime opponent. Early in his first term, his proposed budget to Congress recommended no allocation for CPB. This currently is about $535 million each year.

1 month ago | current.org | Art Silverman |Mike Janssen

Larry Massett, a producer whose imaginative work left a lasting imprint on public radio, died in his sleep April 23 in Savannah, Ga.‬ He was 80. Massett’s musical background infused his work with a sensibility few could replicate. He earned a reputation for surprise and delight in the public radio community. An accomplished, conservatory-trained pianist and composer, his work incorporated music, humor and sound elements that transformed his stories into sonic adventures‬.

1 month ago | current.org | Antoinette Grajeda |Mike Janssen

This article was first published by the Arkansas Advocate and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. The Arkansas PBS Commission named Sajni Kumpuris as the public television network’s interim director during a special meeting Tuesday. Kumpuris, who currently serves as Arkansas PBS’ education director and production director, will assume her new role Monday. She replaces Courtney Pledger. The public media network announced in April that Pledger would leave her position in May.

1 month ago | current.org | Mike Janssen

Are you ready for some news that will brighten your day and outlook? Current’s 2025 cohort of Rising Stars includes 15 early- and mid-career professionals who are carrying public media’s mission forward in new and innovative ways. Each was nominated by a supervisor or a colleague for outstanding accomplishments that made a difference for their workplace, their community or public media at large.