Malcolm Brett, longtime director of Broadcast and Media Innovations (BAMI) with the University of Wisconsin-Extension — the home of Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and UW Extension’s (UWEX) Instructional Communications Systems (ICS)— has announced plans for his retirement. Brett is targeting late spring 2018 for the transition, providing UWEX, including WPT/WPR and ICS, time to begin the search for his successor.
Brett has been a national leader in public broadcasting throughout his 34-year career, serving as Director of Television at WPT prior to his tenure as BAMI Director, and also serving on the national board of PBS and countless public-media focused committees and workgroups.
“Malcolm’s leadership in Wisconsin has been admired by public television and radio stations around the nation,” said NPR CEO Jarl Mohn. “Public media in Wisconsin is what it is today because of his dedication to public service, his passion for great content and his commitment to the staff of WPT and WPR. His work will pay dividends for Wisconsinites for decades to come.”
“Malcolm Brett is a dedicated and visionary leader of public media and through his work has had great impact in Wisconsin as well as across our national public television system,” said Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS. “Through his service on the PBS Board, most notably during his tenure as Vice Chairman, he focused on universal access, diverse voices, and community engagement. Malcolm truly believes in the mission and power of public broadcasting, and the special role that stations need to play within local communities.”
“Malcolm has left an indelible mark on UW-Extension, the state of Wisconsin and beyond,” said UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor, Dr. Cathy Sandeen. “I first met Malcolm when he served on the national PBS Board; I recognized the depth of his knowledge and tremendous leadership qualities right away.”
UWEX, including WPT, WPR and ICS are working on the next steps in the search process.
