Rachel Smolkin, a seasoned media executive currently leading CNN’s global digital news, is leaving the network to take on the role of president and CEO at Oregon Public Broadcasting. Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) praised Smolkin’s innovative approach to journalism and strong business acumen as assets that will help guide the public media organization through the challenges facing the journalism industry today.
Rukaiyah Adams, chair of OPB’s board of directors, expressed confidence in Smolkin’s ability to lead the organization into the future amidst transformative changes in the media landscape. Smolkin’s tenure at CNN, where she played a key role in revamping the network’s digital news coverage, including politics, national, international, business, and live news, positioned her as an ideal candidate for this leadership role.
During her time at CNN, Smolkin led the network’s coverage of US elections, ensuring that audiences received up-to-the-minute news across various platforms and technologies. She was also recognized for recruiting and cultivating diverse talents within the network, developing breaking news brand, emphasis on service journalism, explainers, and fact-checks as integral components of their storytelling.
As Smolkin steps into her new role at OPB, she faces the challenges presented by shrinking digital and broadcast advertising markets, shifting news consumption habits, and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on traditional journalism. Despite these challenges, she is committed to driving innovative solutions to ensure OPB can continue to serve the needs of its audience and the broader community in the Pacific Northwest.
With a background that includes stints at Politico, USA Today, and the American Journalism Review, Smolkin brings a wealth of experience to her new position at OPB. Her appointment comes at a time of transition for the organization, following the retirement of Steve Bass, who served as CEO since 2006. Smolkin is set to start her new role in September, taking on the responsibility of leading conversations about critical issues and finding new ways to engage with the community.
In conclusion, Rachel Smolkin’s appointment as president and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting represents a strategic move to position the organization for success in a rapidly evolving media landscape. With her proven track record of leadership and innovation in digital news coverage, Smolkin is poised to lead OPB through the challenges facing the journalism industry and ensure its continued relevance and impact in serving the Oregon and Southwest Washington communities. Her vision for the organization’s future promises exciting developments in news and public affairs programming, community engagement, and creative strategies to meet evolving audience needs.
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