William Weber Named PBS Vice President, Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel

ARLINGTON, VA, August 1, 2014 – Katherine Lauderdale, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, announced today that William Weber has been appointed PBS’ Vice President, Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel. Mr. Weber spent more than eight years with Baker & Hostetler LLP, where he was a Partner with the firm’s Government Policy and Data Privacy teams, counseling a wide range of commercial, not-for-profit and trade association clients. His tenure at PBS began July 30.

In his new role, Mr. Weber will represent PBS with federal officials, legislators and staff to help these key stakeholders understand the value public media delivers to the American people. He will be responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external strategic and operational efforts related to legislative and regulatory matters. In addition, he will work collaboratively with other national public media organizations on issues of importance to PBS member stations in serving their communities.

“This is a critically important and exciting time in public media; it is an era where technology is changing at a rapid pace, enabling us to meet our mission in ways we never thought possible,” said Ms. Lauderdale. “Our growing reach and evolving opportunities exist in a landscape of increasingly complex legislative and regulatory issues. We are extremely fortunate to have someone in this key position with Bill’s outstanding skills, experience and commitment to PBS’ mission.”
 
“For decades PBS has been dedicated to using the power of media for the public good, offering a tremendous return on the federal investment in this singular public/private partnership,” said Mr. Weber. “At this time of change and innovation, I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with PBS, local stations and the other national public media organizations to help strengthen the service the system provides.”

In addition to his work in the private sector, Mr. Weber was a Fellow in the Robert Bosch Foundation’s Program for Young American Leaders in Germany. He also served as Counsel to U.S. Senator Richard Durbin on the Government Affairs Oversight Subcommittee; Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Carl Levin; and Assistant Counsel to the Speaker, Illinois House of Representatives. His career began at Winston & Strawn LLP as an Associate.

Mr. Weber graduated cum laude from Notre Dame Law School and holds a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross.

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 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. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. 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 devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS PressRoom on Twitter.

CONTACT
Jan McNamara, 703-739-5028, jmcnamara@pbs.org