Paula Kerger

Paula Kerger has held the position of president and chief executive officer at PBS since 2006, overseeing several pivotal moments for the organization. One such moment was in 2011 when she orchestrated distribution agreements with Sky UK and Virgin Media, significantly expanding the network's reach. Additionally, Kerger's tenure has seen a considerable boost in the digital footprint of PBS. This includes the launch of the streaming service PBS Passport, as well as a noteworthy distribution pact with YouTube TV.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerger demonstrated her leadership by collaborating with public school systems to provide programming that aligned with distance learning curriculums. This initiative not only showcased her strategic vision but also underscored her commitment to education and community engagement. This commitment extended further when she successfully defended PBS' federal funding in a House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency hearing in March 2025.

Kerger is also known for her outspoken views on public broadcasting funding. She has publicly criticized the Trump administration's funding cuts, advocating against them and highlighting the absence of a "white knight" to rescue public broadcasting. This advocacy, combined with her successful efforts to extend her contract with PBS' board of directors until 2024, underlines her dedication to the organization and its mission.