For over 30 years, I successfully managed WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio, which was widely recognized as a successful NPR station. In addition to receiving recognition inside the public media industry, WUWM was named “Station of the Year” and “News Operation of the Year” by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. I was also elected to the NPR Board of Directors and chosen by my peers to serve as board chair during some of the organization’s most challenging years.

I am now dedicated to helping others in public media build successful careers and lead their stations to greatness.

FEDERAL FUNDING SCENARIO PLANNING

The recent action of the US House was not encouraging, and we know that the battle in the Senate will be challenging.  I hope public media prevails.  But what if it doesn’t?  How prepared is your station to survive without federal funding?

As someone who has been trained in strategic and scenario planning, I’m now working with public media stations as they peer into the future and chart scenarios for their long-term survival.  The work is focused on internal operational changes in the absence of federal funding.

Candidly, most stations have not developed a strategy beyond waiting to see what happens in Washington and encouraging listeners to contact their legislators.

• If you work for a university, what if they decide that replacing federal funds for scientific research is more important than funding your station?
• While amping up your fundraising efforts will be important, what can you realistically expect when other nonprofits that are losing federal funds are also becoming more aggressive?
• What happens if national producers stop the production of most of the programs that fill your schedule?

Frankly, I’ve seen private studies that are not very encouraging.

I’m sure NPR and PBS have plans for their future.

With more than 30 years of experience in public media management, I’ve lived through challenges before (e.g., Newt Gingrich, NPR near bankruptcy), but this one feels more ominous.  I want to help you develop confidential and realistic scenarios for your station.  Reach out.  Let’s talk.

THE PUBLIC MEDIA MANAGER’S HANDBOOK

If you are in public media (or want to be) and are considering advancing your career, I suggest you buy my book, “The Public Media Manager’s Handbook.” In it, I explain how to navigate the tricky elements of managing in a creative environment that puts your organization up for public scrutiny 24/7. The book covers everything from regulations you need to know to how to get along with your board or station licensee.

HELP FOR PUBLIC MEDIA STATIONS

If your station is struggling or seeks to map a strategic future, I can help as well. I’ve been hired by large-market and small-market stations to help solve problems, review station operations and coach management teams. Read what the Dean of the Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse University has to say about my work for, WAER, their NPR station.

HELP INDIVIDUALS SUCCEED & SOLVE PROBLEMS

I also work one-on-one with professionals across the system.  

Sometimes people come to me feeling stuck. Maybe your boss keeps shifting priorities. Maybe a staff issue is eating up too much time. Or maybe it’s just burnout.  

Whatever the problem, we figure it out together. I’ve helped managers set fair and useful evaluation standards. I’ve coached teams through tense staff dynamics. I’ve guided people through leadership transitions—and helped others land their next big job.  

No lectures. Just practical, real-world advice from someone who’s been through it.  

You might also be interested in my online course, “How To Manage Difficult People,” because sooner or later you will face personnel challenges that can make your life difficult.

I also have two online courses that have helped many public media professionals. “Getting The Job You Want,” helps you map a strategy to find your next job. And, in “Job Interviews: What Employers Want to Hear” I share what I have learned from hiring for entry level to “C’ level positions (including at NPR). I also talked to HR professionals and hiring managers to prepare that course.

Let’s talk about how I can help you or your station.

Contact me HERE, or email me at daveedwards@outlook.com

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