RESOLUTION
PUBLIC SESSION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Monday, December 11, 2023
unanimously
Resolved,
That the Board of Directors
of the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Expresses its Heartfelt Condolences
to the Family and Friends of
Samuel C. O. Holt
Author of the Public Radio Study
Senior Executive of PBS and NPR
Winner of the 1983 Edward R. Murrow Award
We will long remember with gratitude Samuel C. O. Holt as a visionary researcher who helped lay the foundation for NPR and PBS’ national programming services.
In late 1968, Sam Holt was commissioned by CPB and the Ford Foundation to report on the state of educational radio and make recommendations to build the new public radio system. Many of his recommendations from his 1969 Public Radio Study were implemented when National Public Radio was founded the following year.
As a founding member of PBS’ staff in 1970, Holt coordinated programming, helping to create programs including “Masterpiece Theatre” and “The MacNeil-Lehrer Report.” In 1977, he joined NPR as Senior Vice President for Programming and helped launch such celebrated programs as “Morning Edition.” He won the Edward R. Murrow Award from the CPB in 1983, which recognizes outstanding contributions to public radio.
The CPB Board of Directors marks Samuel Holt’s leadership, vision, and extraordinary service to public media and the American public with deep respect and appreciation and offers our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.