PBS Selects David W. Piccerelli President and CEO
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
WSBE Rhode Island, Channel 36, named David Piccerelli to head Rhode Island's only public television station. The announcement was made by Michael Issacs - the chair of the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority. "The board's unanimous decision demonstrates our confidence in David’s leadership," Isaacs said. "David has the right combination of management skill and business acumen, as well as a clear appreciation and enthusiasm for the station's mission. It's that balance of qualities that impressed the board, and will serve the station's best interests now and into the future."
The Authority's search committee screened some 24 applicants – including a number from within the PBS system - interviewed candidates and narrowed the field. "David successfully demonstrated to the search committee and the board that he understands the station's important role in education, in the community, and in delivering uniquely Rhode Island programming and services to the residents of our state," said Issacs.
"I am honored to have been chosen," said Piccerelli. "My two predecessors were local broadcasting legends, who left indelible marks on the station," he said, referring to Susan L. Farmer, WSBE's president for 17 years, and Bob Fish, who was a commercial radio and television executive before joining the station in 2005.
"The broadcast media landscape continues to change rapidly," said Piccerelli. Previosuly, he led the station's $3.8 million conversion from analog to full digital broadcasting in 2009. "WSBE has been Rhode Island's source for educational media for 43 years. But it's not just about great television anymore. It's about expanding the traditional definition of education and moving existing programs and services in new directions – on-air, online, and in the community," he added.
A Rhode Island native and Barrington resident, Piccerelli holds a BS in Accounting from Bryant University.
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