Press Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 1, 2006
CONTACT: Barbara L. Hamm, Chief Communications Officer
757-889-9437 or 757-724-9468
WHRO GOVERNING BOARD ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JOSEPH WIDOFF
Norfolk – The Chairman of the Governing Board of WHRO, Henry Light, announced today the resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Widoff. Mr. Widoff has decided to pursue other opportunities within public broadcasting.
“We want to thank Joe for his leadership and vision in leading WHRO for the past five years,” said Mr. Light. “Because of his leadership, WHRO has provided innovative programming and services to the residents and citizens of Hampton Roads, and is in the position to see substantial growth moving forward”.
Joseph Widoff was appointed President and CEO in June, 2001, amid the turbulence of a 25 percent cut in state funding for public broadcasting, September 11 and its aftermath and the dot.com bust, all of which contributed to funding challenges for WHRO. During his tenure, Widoff not only led the station through significant budget cuts, but then increased underwriting revenue, membership, and major gifts to the institution, with the endowment increasing from approximately $300,000 to more than $2.5 Million.
Widoff continued to build on the good relationships between WHRO’s 14 owner school districts throughout his tenure, encouraging more involvement by the owners, increasing the number owner school districts to 16, and finding more synergies between WHRO and its owners..
Widoff created the WHRO Center for Regional Citizenship, which serves as a safe place to convene residents and citizens to discuss and learn about local issues. The Center produced several programs on Citizenship, and reacted quickly with town hall meetings to discuss the BRAC Commission decisions on Oceana and Fort Monroe. Currently the Center is focusing its efforts on early childhood education.
In his five year tenure, Widoff oversaw the continued transformation of analog television to HD/digital and the implementation of digital radio.
Widoff provided leadership for significant local programming opportunities, including the HD premiere of Civil War in Hampton Roads, and the newly completed Jamestown, Founding of America, a 30 minute documentary which is being distributed nationwide through the National Educational Television Association (NETA).
Mr. Widoff stated in his resignation letter that he enjoyed his time at WHRO and is proud of the many accomplishments that occurred during his tenure. He stated the “station is in a good position to move forward during this highly dynamic and challenging time in the public broadcasting industry.”
Mr. Light announced the establishment of a search committee co-chaired by the Board Chairman and WHRO Board Director Jack Ezzell, Chief Executive Officer of Zel Technologies, to find the next President and CEO of the WHRO stations. “Jack has had considerable experience both on the WHRO Board and in previous nationwide searches, and I am very pleased he will assist me with this important assignment. This is a time of growth and expanding mission for WHRO, and we will cast the net very widely as we seek our next President. We will also assure that all of the major WHRO constituencies have a voice as we move through this process”
Mr. Light also stated, “WHRO has an impressive senior leadership team that will provide continuity during this period when the President and CEO’s position is vacant. To assist WHRO’s Chief Operating Officer, Regina Brayboy, we have established a transition team that will include the chairman and vice-chairman, and when appropriate, the Audit & Finance and the Executive Committees. With this leadership structure in place, WHRO will continue to provide quality services to the community.”
For more information, contact Barbara Hamm at (757) 889-9437 or (757) 724-9468.