— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
PBS 39 may have found its Superman. There is speculation that its “transformation executive” may be on the radar, flying in to save the show.
The search reminds me of a documentary about education, “Waiting for Superman,” how super powers are needed to improve public education. The film had a great title, but beyond giving people something to talk about, didn’t accomplish much.
PBS 39 — with a shrinking staff, declining viewership and an $8.66 million deficit in fiscal 2023 — needs somebody. In keeping with the times, I’ll call that person Superman, Superwoman or Superperson.
Are they holding out for a hero? I’ve heard a name but will decline to identify the person until it’s official. Perhaps the candidate will look under the hood and decide to back out.
This “transformation executive” search is a reflection of the entire PBS 39 (Lehigh Valley Public Media) approach. The name is jargon, the effort is barely semi-serious. Here’s the ad:
Transformation Executive
This position will be on a short-term part-time consulting basis for an initial period of up to 6 months.
Seriously? The Lehigh Valley public television, radio and media outlet has cut staff, is losing money, losing viewers, some management decisions are being made by board members, its top four jobs are empty (the captain of this ship remains with an emeritus title) and …
A part-time interim consultant is going to make things right?
Maybe not even Superman could repair this.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 