Kathryn Washington named CPB Vice President, Television Programming

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 3, 2020) -- The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has promoted Kathryn Washington to the position of Vice President, Television Programming, effectively immediately. In this role, Washington will develop and execute the strategy for CPB's investments in mission-focused television and digital productions as well as investments in organizations supporting independent filmmakers and content creators.  

“Kathryn has played a significant role in CPB’s work developing broadcast media, programs, and services that reflect a diverse and inclusive society,” said CPB Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Levy. “Her experience in both audio and television content, together with her record of skillful grants management and impactful content and investment decisions, will be a valuable resource as we strengthen public media’s pipeline of producers and programs.”

Washington joined CPB in November 2009 and has held many roles, including serving as director of diversity and innovation where she oversaw the funding of over 20 new programs such as Stanley Nelson’s “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.” Most recently, Washington was senior director of content strategy where she established partnerships between PBS stations and independent producers to develop national content. Through her work with Henry Louis Gates’ production team, Firelight Media’s Documentary Lab,  and iconic PBS series such as “American Masters,” “American Experience,” “Nature,” and “NOVA,” Washington has developed strategies to bring high-quality and innovative programming to all platforms with a focus on advancing new and diverse voices.

She began her career in public broadcasting as an independent radio producer for KQED’s nationally distributed series “Beyond Computers” and the online music magazine “Behind the Beat.” She also conducted research for the Kitchen Sisters’ Peabody award-winning NPR documentary series “Lost and Found Sound.” Moving from radio to documentary film, she managed the Diversity Development Fund for the Independent Television Service (ITVS) and aided producers in the development of films that have aired on Independent Lens, POV and screened at festivals worldwide. Washington volunteers for local arts organizations and serves as board chair for Timeslips, an international network of artists and caregivers that bring meaning to late life through creative engagement. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Oberlin College, a master’s in psychology from Antioch University and a certificate in strategic foresight from University of Houston.

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit cpb.org, follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook and LinkedIn and subscribe for email updates.