PBS Names Veteran Investigative Journalist Ricardo Sandoval-Palos as Public Editor

ARLINGTON, VA; May 14, 2019 — PBS has named Ricardo Sandoval-Palos as Public Editor and ombudsman. In this role, he will offer an independent editorial perspective on PBS programming, including matters raised by viewers. 

Sandoval-Palos will be responsible for examining matters of editorial integrity, journalism and production practice, and offer an objective perspective when responding to complaints or questions. The position is independent from PBS and reports directly to Paula Kerger, PBS President & CEO. Sandoval-Palos will begin his post as Public Editor on May 15, 2019.
 
For 16 consecutive years, Americans have ranked PBS and its member stations as the most trusted national institution. The Public Editor plays a vital role in upholding the high standards of editorial integrity and authenticity that audiences expect from PBS.
 
“Earning and preserving the public’s trust is our top priority at PBS,’’ said Kerger. ‘’We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo as our new Public Editor. He is a journalist of the highest integrity whose deep experience and passion for an independent press make him an ideal fit for this important role.” 
 
Sandoval-Palos has established himself as a high caliber investigative journalist and editor, having previously served as Senior Editor at InsideClimate News, Managing Editor at 100Reporters, Supervising Editor of NPR’s Morning Edition, Project Manager at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and assistant city editor at TheSacramento Bee. He was a Latin America correspondent for The Dallas Morning News and The San Jose Mercury News, and investigative reporter for Orange County Register and The San Francisco Examiner.
 
Sandoval-Palos’ work has been recognized by the Overseas Press Club, the Inter-American Press Association, the Gerald Loeb Awards, Boston College’s Myers Center Awards and the Greater Los Angeles Press Club. Sandoval-Palos received his B.A. in Journalism from California’s Humboldt State University.
 
About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV— including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

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CONTACTS:
Eleanor May, PBS; eemay@pbs.org; 703-739-8603
Jennifer Rankin Byrne, PBS; jrbyrne@pbs.org; 703-739-5487