Transforming Public Media to Serve Modern Audiences with Amy Shaw of Nine PBS

But Who's Counting?

How does a 70-year-old PBS station evolve new approaches to public media to remain relevant and impactful even as the media landscape around it changes? Through innovative new approaches and a commitment to its community! Nine PBS is a St. Louis cornerstone with a long history of adapting to fit the changing times, and that constant evolution helped it become the most watched PBS station in the country, as a percentage of households watching.
But Who's Counting? hosts Dave Hartley and Missy Kelley chatted with Amy Shaw, President and CEO of Nine PBS, about the remarkable journey of public media in St. Louis. Amy shared the origins of Nine PBS, highlighted the pioneering St. Louis Plan and discussed the significance of her journey to becoming the first female President and CEO of the station. The conversation also covered:

• How Nine PBS built a financially-healthy not-for-profit
• Human-centered leadership approaches all businesses can learn from
• Why the station refused to downsize staff during the pandemic
• The history behind how PBS became a powerhouse of community, content and connection
• How Nine PBS found success on social media and the gap they fill

“We are not just doing things that are human and interesting and community-based, we’re also finding ways to make it sustainable at the same time.” – Amy Shaw

Resources to Count on

Check out these additional resources for more insight into the conversation:

• Celebrate Nine PBS’ 70th anniversary
• Sign up for Nine PBS Passport
• Watch the Emmy Award-winning short, Drawn In: Brave Hero, Part 2
• Learn more about Carl the Collector, premiering November 14, 2024
• Discover all the ways to support Nine PBS

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1. Innovations in Public Media.history and Leadership (00:00:00)

2. Leadership and Community Connection Success (00:08:18)

3. Maintaining Relevance in the Streaming Era (00:16:51)

4. Local Media's Shift to Social Engagement (00:24:59)

5. The Power of PBS Kids Programming (00:36:57)

6. Innovation and Community Representation (00:43:31)