The Past, Present, and Future of Public Broadcasting in Our Region - Big Ideas Discussion Series

“BIG IDEAS” DISCUSSION SERIES PRESENTS

“The Past, Present, and Future of Public Broadcasting in Our Region” 

Ashland, Oregon (January 24, 2023) — Join Paul Westhelle, Executive Director of Jefferson Public Radio (JPR), and Phil Meyer, President & CEO of Southern Oregon PBS, for a discussion of the history of public broadcasting in our area, a snapshot of this moment, and a look at what is in store for the future. Their discussion, “The Past, Present, and Future of Public Broadcasting in Our Region,” will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard. All are welcome to attend this free program. 

An experienced business leader and executive within the public broadcasting mission, Phil Meyer joined SOPBS in May 2022. He is responsible for shaping a clear vision and strategy for the future that ensures the sustainability of public television in the southern Oregon region — as well as forging new relationships with community partners. Meyer served previously as President and CEO of Valley PBS in Fresno, California.  

Paul Westhelle oversees management of JPR's service to the community. A San Jose State University journalism and mass communication graduate, he came to JPR in 1990 as Associate Director of Broadcasting for Marketing and Development after holding jobs in non-profit management and fundraising for a national health agency.  

The monthly Big Ideas discussion series features prominent local experts speaking on relevant and timely issues affecting our community. Lectures are jointly sponsored by the Ashland Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Jackson County Library Services. For more information, please contact Jackson County Library Services at 541-774-6996. 

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Images: Phil Meyer and Paul Westhelle 

About Jackson County Library Services: 

The JCLS mission is to connect everyone to information, ideas, and each other. With 15 branches throughout the County, JCLS offers in-person and virtual programs, Take & Make kits, At Home Services for patrons who cannot come to the library, Outreach to Child Care, free internet access, 24-hour online resources, and a staff of experts. Patrons can browse the online catalog and curated staff booklists, subscribe to the Library Connect blog, and use readers advisory resources via an online form called JCLS Discovery. Learn more at jcls.org. 

Media Contact: Ryan Bradley, JCLS Marketing Manager | rbradley@jcls.org | 541-734-3916