U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800

Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001

80–430 PDF 2013

S. HRG. 110–1226 

NOMINATIONS TO THE 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, 

SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS 

SECOND SESSION 

SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 

Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 

( 

(II) 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION 

ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS 

SECOND SESSION 

DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii, Chairman 

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West Virginia 

JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts 

BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota 

BARBARA BOXER, California 

BILL NELSON, Florida 

MARIA CANTWELL, Washington 

FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, New Jersey 

MARK PRYOR, Arkansas 

THOMAS R. CARPER, Delaware 

CLAIRE MCCASKILL, Missouri 

AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota 

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas, Ranking 

TED STEVENS, Alaska, Vice Chairman 

JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona 

OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine 

GORDON H. SMITH, Oregon 

JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada 

JOHN E. SUNUNU, New Hampshire 

JIM DEMINT, South Carolina 

DAVID VITTER, Louisiana 

JOHN THUNE, South Dakota 

ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi 

MARGARET L. CUMMISKY, Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel 

LILA HARPER HELMS, Democratic Deputy Staff Director and Policy Director 

CHRISTINE D. KURTH, Republican Staff Director and General Counsel 

PAUL NAGLE, Republican Chief Counsel 

(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

Page 

Hearing held on September 17, 2008 ..................................................................... 1 

Statement of Senator Hutchison ............................................................................ 19 

Statement of Senator Inouye .................................................................................. 1 

Statement of Senator Nelson .................................................................................. 2 

Statement of Senator Pryor .................................................................................... 10 

Statement of Senator Stevens ................................................................................ 18 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 18 

Statement of Senator Thune ................................................................................... 20 

WITNESSES

Halpern, Hon. Cheryl Feldman, Member, Board of Directors, Corporation 

for Public Broadcasting ........................................................................................ 20 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 22 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 23 

Pryor, Hon. David H., Renominated to be a Member of the Board of Directors, 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting .................................................................. 10 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 12 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 13 

Ramer, Bruce M., Member-Designate, Board of Directors, Corporation for 

Public Broadcasting ............................................................................................. 30 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 32 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 34 

Sembler, Elizabeth, Member-Designate, Board of Directors, Corporation for 

Public Broadcasting ............................................................................................. 3 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 4 

Sutliff, Loretta Cheryl, Member-Designate, Board of Directors, Corporation 

for Public Broadcasting ........................................................................................ 41 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 43 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 44 

APPENDIX

Response to written questions submitted by Hon. Byron L. Dorgan to: 

All CPB nominees ............................................................................................. 51 

Cheryl Feldman Halpern ................................................................................. 52 

Bruce M. Ramer ................................................................................................ 54 

Elizabeth Sembler ............................................................................................ 54 

Loretta Sutliff ................................................................................................... 55 

(1) 

NOMINATIONS TO THE 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 

U.S. SENATE, 

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION, 

Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:30 a.m. in room 

SR–253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Daniel K. Inouye, 

Chairman of the Committee, presiding. 

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. DANIEL K. INOUYE, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII 

The CHAIRMAN. Good morning. This morning, we hold a hearing 

with the five nominees for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting 

Board of Directors. 

And I am especially pleased to welcome our friend and former 

colleague David Pryor back to the U.S. Senate, at least electronically. 

Since its creation in the 1967 Public Broadcasting Act, public 

broadcasting has become a unique voice in our local communities. 

Public broadcasting has provided educational, cultural, and informational programming that takes creative risks and serves traditionally unserved and underserved populations. 

Public broadcasting has become a forum for award-winning documentaries, outstanding children’s programming, and in-depth news 

and public affairs programming that is not always found on commercial stations. 

As you may be aware, I am a long-time supporter of public 

broadcasting. So I was very troubled when only a few years ago, 

the Inspector General of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting 

found that actions of the former Chairman of the Board had violated the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 as well as the Director’s 

Code of Ethics. Though this dark episode is behind us, it cast an 

unfortunate shadow. 

The nominees for the Board must understand that they occupy 

a position of public trust. So, on behalf of the Committee, I ask all 

of you to commit to the success of public broadcasting and work to 

ensure that the future is bright. 

This challenge is especially acute for public television stations 

because only 5 months from today, this nation will transform— 

transition from analog to digital signals. As Board members, you 

2 

will bear responsibilities for the digital transition and be expected 

to help ensure success. 

I would like to now call upon the Senator from Florida, Mr. Nelson, for his remarks. 

STATEMENT OF HON. BILL NELSON, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA 

Senator NELSON. Mr. Chairman, thank you. 

And I want to say a word about David Pryor and Liz Sembler. 

And David, you are joining us by teleconference. We all know the 

enormous contributions that you have made to your country. But 

perhaps the greatest contribution that you have made is that you 

have sent us your son, Mark Pryor, who is our colleague here in 

the Senate and one of my dearest personal friends in the Senate. 

So thank you very much for that. 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Thank you, sir. 

Senator NELSON. Mr. Chairman, I want to introduce to the Committee, Liz Sembler, who has been nominated to serve on this 

board. 

For over 15 years, she has been deeply involved in the efforts to 

support public broadcasting, and she has done that in Florida, and 

throughout the country. She has served on the board of directors 

of WEDU, which is the public broadcasting station in the Tampa 

Bay area. And during that time, she has been involved in what 

each of those public broadcasting stations has to do, which includes 

raising money and doing community outreach, as well as the station’s efforts to prepare for the transition to digital television, 

which is going to occur next February. 

She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Association 

of Public Television Stations. And there, she worked with both 

sides of the aisle to ensure the continuation of support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

I want to point out that she is an educator. And as we look at 

the future of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, it is to ensure that public broadcasters across the country provide programming that educates and inspires the children of America. And Ms. 

Sembler understands what we need to do to adapt this corporation 

to an Internet-based world. And so, I want to give my recommendation that we approve her. 

And Senator Pryor, just before you came, I had some opportunity 

to comment that your father’s greatest contribution to the country 

is that he sent you here to the Senate. 

So, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for sharing these remarks. 

The CHAIRMAN. We have a lovefest here. 

[Laughter.] 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, with that introduction, I would like to call 

upon the first nominee, Ms. Elizabeth Sembler. I have been told 

that you have family members here. Would you like to introduce 

them? 

3 

STATEMENT OF ELIZABETH SEMBLER, 

MEMBER-DESIGNATE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

Ms. SEMBLER. Thank you very much. And thank you, Senator 

Nelson, for your comments. 

I have sitting behind me my parents, Ruth and Leonard Mauer 

from New York. And it is my father’s 77th birthday today. So this 

is very exciting that he is here. 

I have my husband, Greg Sembler, who is with me, and three of 

my four children—Jacob Sembler, Eve Sembler, and Benjamin 

Sembler. 

The CHAIRMAN. Happy birthday, Father. Please proceed. 

Ms. SEMBLER. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Commerce 

Committee, thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before you this morning to discuss my nomination to the Board of Directors for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I would also 

like to thank President Bush for having confidence in me and honoring me with this nomination. 

Fifteen years ago this month, I attended my first board meeting 

as a new member of the Board of Directors of WEDU, my local public television station in Tampa, Florida. When I was asked to serve 

on that Board, I willingly agreed. As a viewer, I appreciated the 

public affairs programming. And as the mom of three very young 

children with a fourth on the way, I was dependent upon the PBS 

show ‘‘Barney and Friends’’ for at least a half an hour of calm each 

morning during the reigning chaos. ‘‘Yes, of course, I will volunteer 

for this cause,’’ I told the board officer who recruited me. ‘‘I love 

public television. I need public television. Doesn’t everyone?’’ 

Over the past decade and a half, as my babies have grown into 

the teenagers sitting before you today, so, too, has my awe for what 

our nation’s public broadcasters accomplish each and every day. 

I have witnessed firsthand, as a board member of WEDU, and 

later as its chairman, the masterfully coordinated efforts of station 

manager and producers, engineers and pledge drive VPs, Ready To 

Learn outreach directors and capital campaign fundraisers, underwriting salesmen and programmers, and, of course, volunteers and 

board members, all of whom work together to provide the finest television broadcasts available in our country. Programming which, in 

my opinion, far surpasses the offerings available on any other 

channel. 

The more I learned at WEDU, the more determined I became to 

ensure that the Federal Government continued to support our efforts and continued to share the burden of our expenses. Year after 

year, I traveled here to Washington to visit you and your colleagues to remind you of the value of this national asset and to 

convince reluctant supporters to step up and fund our efforts. 

In the process, I learned about the Association of Public Television Stations and their efforts to organize us in our outreach, and 

they learned about me. Four years ago, I joined their national 

board of directors and now work with the finest CEOs and station 

managers from around the country to help educate you, the Members of Congress, on the critical issues facing the public television 

community. 

4 

And as I know you are aware, there are critical issues. Perhaps 

looming largest is the February 17, 2009, analog shutoff date for 

television broadcasts. So many are hard at work to ensure smooth 

transition to digital broadcasting, yet just last week, the FCC reported concerns in early testing in North Carolina. This is particularly troubling for public TV broadcasters. 

Of the estimated 25 million Americans who receive their television programming over the air and who will need to do the most 

to transition to digital reception, a significant number are supporters and viewers of public television. The CPB and its stations 

must work hard with commercial broadcasters and Congress to ensure the success of the transition and ensure that the audience for 

public television can find its programming. 

There are other critical issues for public broadcasters, who must 

now compete for eyeballs and eardrums in an era of channel proliferation and emerging media and distribution platforms. 

My children can send a text message on their phones while they 

listen to their iPods, surf the Web, and flip back and forth among 

several television shows simultaneously. Just the thought of it 

gives me a headache, but this young generation is adept and sophisticated in its use of technology. It behooves us to keep up with 

their needs. 

Additionally, public broadcasters must face these challenges and 

accomplish their goals in an era of Federal funding that, while now 

increasing, does not keep pace with inflation. It is, indeed, a critical 

time for CPB and the stations it supports. 

I believe that my background will prepare me well, if I am confirmed to serve on the CPB board, to help the Corporation meet the 

challenges it now faces. My years of service as a public television 

station board member, both locally and on the APTS board, have 

provided me a front-row seat in the arena. I am continually exposed to the flow of ideas and issues in the world of public broadcasting, both television and radio. 

Also, I am a schoolteacher and administrator by profession. Education continues to be a core value of the public broadcasting community. Indeed, the CPB’s mission is to inform, enlighten, and enrich the public. The Federal Act which created the Corporation specifically underscored the use of public media for instructional, educational, and cultural purposes. 

I work with children every day in and out of the classroom, and 

I understand the transformative power of education. If confirmed 

by the U.S. Senate to serve on the CPB board, I will draw upon 

the lessons I have learned from my classroom teaching and from 

my association with WEDU and APTS to help me make informed 

and reasoned decisions. I look forward to the possibility. 

Thank you again for this opportunity to appear before you today. 

I am happy to answer any questions that you may have. 

[The biographical information of Ms. Sembler follows:] 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name (include any former names or nicknames used): 

Elizabeth Mauer Sembler, Liz Sembler 

Maiden name: Elizabeth Mauer, Liz Mauer 

5 

2. Position to which nominated: Member of the Board of Directors, Corporation 

for Public Broadcasting. 

3. Date of Nomination: May 29, 2008. 

4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses): 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: 1775 Highland Avenue So., Clearwater, FL 33756. 

5. Date and Place of Birth: April 27, 1962; West Hempstead, NY. 

6. Provide the name, position and place of employment for your spouse (if married) and the name and ages of your children (including stepchildren and children 

by a previous marriage): 

Spouse: Gregory Scott Sembler, CEO, The Sembler Company, St. Petersburg, 

FL.; children: Jacob Mauer Sembler (18); Ezra Eugene Sembler, (18); Eve Beth 

Sembler, (15); Benjamin Henry Sembler, (14). 

7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school attended: 

Syracuse University, B.A., 1984. 

University of South Florida, M.A., 1989. 

8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all management-level 

jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to the position for which you are 

nominated. 

Newspaper reporter, St. Petersburg Times, 1984–1986 

Classroom teacher and school administrator, Pinellas County Jewish Day 

School, 2000 to present. 

I believe that my employment experience meshes beautifully with the position for 

which I was nominated, member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for 

Public Broadcasting. As a journalist, I was trained to appreciate and practice nonbiased reporting and fairness, both vital for the quality public affairs programming 

offered by non-commercial public broadcasting. As a school administrator, a managerial position, I supervise teachers, oversee a budget, work with clergy, and cooperate with community leaders, all important communication and supervisory skills 

that I can draw upon during my CPB Board service. As a teacher, I work with 

young Americans daily in the classroom; I understand the educational challenges 

our nation faces and the value provided by quality public educational television for 

children. 

9. Attach a copy of your resume: A copy is attached. 

10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than those listed above, within the last 5 years: Not Applicable. 

11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, partner, proprietor, 

agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, 

or other business, enterprise, educational, or other institution within the last 5 

years. 

Board Memberships: 

Association of Public Television Stations, Washington, D.C. 

WEDU: Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Tampa, FL. 

The Florida Orchestra, St. Petersburg, FL. 

William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education Board of Overseers, 

Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, NY. 

Congregation Bnai Israel, St. Petersburg, FL. 

Partnership: 

G & L Sembler Investment Partnership LP 

12. Please list each membership you have had during the past 10 years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religious organization, private club, or other membership organization. Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or organization restricts membership 

on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. 

Congregation Bnai Israel, St. Petersburg, FL: 1986 to present. 

Current Parliamentarian of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Member. 

6 

Former Ritual Committee Chair. 

Former Pre-School Head Search Committee Chair. 

Congregation Beth Shalom, Clearwater, FL: 2007 to present. 

Young Israel-Chabad of Clearwater, FL: 1986 to present. 

Jewish Educators Assembly, 2002 to present. 

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2006 to present. 

Hadassah, Life member, 1987 to present. 

Jewish Federation of Pinellas County, FL: 1987 to present. 

Former Board Member. 

Former General Campaign Chair. 

Former Women’s Division Campaign Co-Chair. 

Former Leadership Development Chair. 

WEDU: Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting: 1993 to present. 

Current Board Member 

Former Board Chair (2001–2003) 

Republican Jewish Coalition, President’s Council, 2002–2006. 

13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held public office (elected, nonelected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any campaign has any outstanding 

debt, the amount, and whether you are personally liable for that debt: Not Applicable. 

14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign, or organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for the 

past 10 years. Also list all offices you have held with, or services rendered to, a state 

or national political party or election committee during the same period. 

I have not held any office with, or rendered services to, any political parties. I 

have made the following political contributions: 

1999 Bush for President, Inc. $1,000 

2003 Bush-Cheney 2004 (Primary) Inc. $2,000 

2004 Mel Martinez for Senate $2,000 

2005 Charlie Crist Florida Gubernatorial Campaign $500 

Rick Baker St. Petersburg Mayoral Campaign $500 

Robb Pitts Fulton Co., GA Commissioner $1,000 

2006 Friends of Joe Lieberman $1,000 

Congressman Bill Young Campaign Committee (Primary) $2,100 

Congressman Bill Young Campaign Committee $2,100 

Calvin Harris Pinellas Co., FL Commissioner $500 

Florida Victory 2006 $10,000 

Angelo Cappelli Campaign $500 

2007 (Norm) Coleman for Senate 2008 $2,300 

Mel Martinez for Senate $2,300 

(Mitch) McConnell Senate Committee 2008 $2,300 

Vernon Jones for Georgia $2,300 

Republican Party of Florida $1,000 

Mitt Romney for President $2,300 

Charlie Dean for Florida Senate $500 

2008 (Eric) Cantor for Congress $1,000 

John McCain 2008 Inc. $2,300 

John McCain 2008 General Election Compliance Fund Inc. $2,300 

Burrell Ellis, DeKalb Co. GA Commissioner $1,300 

Andrew Jones Campaign $500 

15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition for outstanding service or 

achievements. 

New York State Regents Scholarship (merit based) 

University Scholar and Class Marshal, Syracuse University Class of 1984 

Edward N. Ludin Young Leadership Award, Pinellas County Jewish Federation 

16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of 

these publications unless otherwise instructed. 

In Chaucer’s Pilgrims: An Historical Guide to the Pilgrims in The Canterbury 

Tales, edited by Laura C. Lambdin and Robert T. Lambdin, I contributed ChapVerDate Nov 24 2008 12:49 Apr 23, 2013 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\80430.TXT JACKIE
7 

ter 12: ‘‘A Franklyn Was in His Compaignye’’ (1996: Greenwood Press, Westport, CT). 

17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified orally or in writing 

before Congress in a governmental or non-governmental capacity and specify the 

date and subject matter of each testimony: Not Applicable. 

18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish 

to serve in that position? 

I have been nominated to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting, a position I believe I am well-suited for. With my history of volunteer 

involvement with my local public television station (nearly 15 years as a board 

member, including chairman for 2 years) and the industry’s national advocacy board 

(APTS); my career as an educator of children and the parent of four; and my training early in my career as a journalist, I have confidence that I am well-versed in 

the issues facing the industry—technologically, politically, financially, and culturally. 

I understand profoundly the importance of public broadcasting and the commitment of those involved to provide quality educational, cultural and entertaining programming and to fulfill its role in helping shape our democracy. As a board member 

of WEDU in Tampa, Florida and a board member of the Association of Public Television Stations, I have spent many hours advocating for the Federal funds to sustain public television. This experience has helped me to comprehend and articulate 

logically but also passionately just how vital public broadcasting is for our country 

and its citizens. Additionally, during the past decade and a half I have also undergone a rigorous education in the challenges facing the public broadcasting industry 

in the digital age, including the multi-million dollar capital campaigns stations recently underwent to convert from analog to digital broadcasting and the public 

awareness campaigns they are producing now to inform the public about the February 2009 analog shutoff date. 

As a teacher and mother, I value highly the role public broadcasting plays in educating our youth; as a former journalist I cherish the notion of bias-free news reporting, one not beholden to any interest group or commercial influence. 

For all of these reasons, I wish to serve on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help ensure that its mission is secured for the future, 

and that the service it provides to our country continues to strengthen our citizens, 

educationally, culturally and civically. In an era when the CPB continues to be challenged politically and its existence called into question because of channel proliferation and new media, I am determined to do my part to help articulate the agency’s 

relevance and necessity in our democracy that so depends upon a well-informed and 

educated citizenry. 

19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that the 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

If confirmed, I expect first and foremost to be educated: I would hope to learn 

about the intricacies of the CPB, its budget, and how it is structured as an organization to guarantee that it meets its stated mission; I would expect to be introduced 

to the staff and learn about how it works together and with the Board of Directors 

to fulfill its goals. As an educated board member, I can then fulfill my fiduciary responsibility to the organization, to the U.S. Senate, which has oversight over the 

agency, and to the American public. Specifically, I will ensure that the Corporation 

has a clear mission statement and business plan, that it is properly staffed with a 

reporting structure that can carry out the plan, and that it operates within the resources allotted to it by the U.S. Congress. I will review periodic audits of the Corporation to ensure the above. 

I am an experienced board member of non-profit organizations and institutions, 

having served or currently serving on the boards of an orchestra, a graduate school 

at a religious seminary, a synagogue, a public television station, a national board 

for public television advocacy, and a Jewish federation (communal funding organization). For each of these positions, I have pored over budgets, audits, proposals, financial rescue plans, capital campaign plans, and the like, and I am not afraid to 

ask questions when the numbers don’t seem to add up, literally and figuratively. 

20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/ 

agency, and why? 

We live in an age of rapidly advancing technology; my teen-aged children’s and 

my students’ media savvy cannot be ignored. The impact that this younger generaVerDate Nov 24 2008 12:49 Apr 23, 2013 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\80430.TXT JACKIE
8 

tion already has on traditional forms of broadcasting, where the CPB has its home, 

creates challenges for the agency and for the public television and radio stations it 

funds. The viewing and listening public’s fascination with the interactive nature of 

the internet, the exciting possibilities of open mobile video, the ease and availability 

of on-demand viewing (and the ability to eliminate commercial interruptions—are 

we losing that monopoly?) all affect the CPB as it seeks to make a home in the 

hearts and minds of younger viewers/listeners. The challenge for the CPB is to recognize and respond to this, and yet not stray from its core mission of enabling quality educational, cultural and entertaining programming that is available for free to 

American’s citizens. 

Additionally, some Americans and some lawmakers question the need for public 

support of broadcasting and believe public radio and television stations, if they exist 

at all, should generate their own funding. These non-supporters point to channel 

proliferation and new media’s successful competition for eyeballs and eardrums. To 

me this is a significant challenge, as the continual need for the CPB to justify its 

existence takes a toll on the agency. Time spent by the stations supported by the 

CPB to convince Congressional funders of the necessity of those dollars could be better spent on addressing the challenges of our digital age. 

Lastly, next February, America will land squarely in the digital age when we 

transition from analog to digital transmission for television broadcast. It is estimated that 25 million Americans receive their television over the air; there is some 

concern that not all of these viewers understand the implications of this conversion, 

or what to do. It is also estimated that a significant number of those 25 million are 

supporters and viewers of public television. The CPB and its stations must work 

hard with commercial broadcasters and the Congress to ensure the success of the 

transition and ensure that the audience for public television can find its programming. 

B. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement accounts. 

As a teacher/administrator, I have a retirement account with TIAA–CREF, into 

which my school contributes a percentage of my salary. 

2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, to maintain 

employment, affiliation or practice with any business, association or other organization during your appointment? If so, please explain. 

I will continue to work as an administrator (Director of Jewish Studies) and middle school teacher at the Pinellas County Jewish Day School. The school leadership 

has agreed to grant me time off to attend CPB board meetings and other events 

of the organization and/or industry that will require my presence. If necessary, I 

will reduce my classroom assignments to enable this type of travel. 

3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

The Office of Government Ethics, in its review, noted that my interests in the following organizations are potential conflicts of interests, because they either receive 

funding from CPB, are made up of stations that receive funds from CPB, are involved in the markets for video programming content or delivery, or create educational content: AT&T; Comcast Corp.; General Electric Co.; Time Warner; Viacom; 

Yahoo!; Aeon Co. Ltd.; Mediaset; Sumitomo Corporation; Telecom Italia; Cebridge; 

Education Management Corporation; WEDU—Florida West Coast Public 

Boradcasting; and the Association of Public Television Stations. 

4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated: Not Applicable. 

5. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have been engaged 

for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law and public policy. 

During the past 10 years, as a citizen of the State of Florida, I have visited members of the state’s delegation to the U.S. Congress to request adequate funding for 

public television. I have never received payment from anyone to advocate for this 

cause. 

6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. 

9 

It has been pointed out to me during this process by the OGE that certain potential conflicts exist (see #3 above); with respect to those, pursuant to the CPB’s Conflicts of Interest Policy, I will agree if confirmed not to participate in any covered 

transaction between CPB and these entities. If confirmed, I will resign my seat on 

the Board of Directors of the Association of Public Television Stations. 

C. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, explain: No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain: No. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual harassment or 

discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please 

explain: No. 

6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination: Not 

Applicable. 

D. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? Yes. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may reasonably be requested to do so? Yes. 

RESUME OF LIZ SEMBLER

Employment History 

Director of Jewish Studies, Pinellas County Jewish Day School Clearwater, Florida, 2001 to present. 

Coordinator of Pre-K–8th grade religious education program, responsibilities of 

which include supervising Hebrew and Jewish Studies teachers; teaching Middle School Bible, Hebrew, and Jewish Studies; conducting daily morning prayer 

service; setting curriculum; conducting holiday programming; and working with 

other Jewish communal professionals and rabbis. 

Sixth Grade Jewish Studies Teacher, Pinellas County Jewish Day School, Clearwater, Florida, 2000–2001. 

Staff Writer, St. Petersburg Times, Times Publishing Company, St. Petersburg, 

Florida, 1984–1986. 

Community Service 

Member, Board of Directors, Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc.— 

WEDU, Tampa, Florida, 1993 to present. 

Served as Chairman of the Board 2001–2003. 

Member, Board of Directors, Council of Advisors, The Florida Orchestra, 1995 to 

present. 

Member, Board of Overseers, William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education, Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, New York, 2004 to present. 

Member, Board of Directors, Association of Public Television Stations, Washington, D.C., 2006 to present. 

Jewish Communal Leader, 1987 to present. 

10 

Serving or has served on boards of the Jewish Federation of Pinellas County; 

the Pinellas County Jewish Day School; Congregation Bnai Israel of St. Petersburg, Florida; Ritual Committee of Congregation Bnai Israel; and National 

Young Leadership Cabinet of the United Jewish Communities. 

Education 

Gratz College, Philadelphia, PA, 2007. 

Graduate Certificate in Jewish Education. 

University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 1989. 

Master of Arts in English. 

Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 1984. 

Bachelor of Arts in Newspaper and Political Science. 

Honors and Recognitions 

Shin Award from the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York for Service to Community, Synagogue and the Jewish Theological Seminary, 2005. 

Young Leadership Award from the Pinellas County Jewish Federation, 2003. 

University Scholar, Syracuse University, 1984. 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank you very much, Ms. Sembler. 

Any questions? Apparently, your record is very clear. 

Ms. SEMBLER. Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Very good. 

May I now recognize Senator Pryor of Arkansas? 

STATEMENT OF HON. MARK PRYOR, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM ARKANSAS 

Senator MARK PRYOR. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

And I share the Board’s and the prospective Board members’ concerns about public broadcasting. I think it is a very important part 

of the American fabric, and we need to make sure that it remains 

strong and is doing all the things that it is intended to do. 

So, thank you. 

And I want to also thank Senator Inouye for accommodating my 

father to join us today by teleconference, and he is in my office in 

Little Rock. So, Dad, glad you could join us today. 

And I don’t have any questions. 

Thank you. 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Thank you, Mark. 

The CHAIRMAN. Senator Pryor or Ambassador Pryor, whatever it 

is, the floor is yours, sir. 

STATEMENT OF HON. DAVID H. PRYOR, RENOMINATED TO BE 

A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CORPORATION 

FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank you, and I thank 

the distinguished Members of the Committee. And I thank Senator 

Nelson, and I thank Senator Pryor—the other Senator Pryor, or the 

real Senator Pryor, for his nice words. 

And I really do appreciate, Mr. Chairman, you and the Committee and the staff accommodating my rather nutty and hectic 

schedule this morning, which has sort of spun out of control in recent days. 

For the last 2 years, it has been my honor and privilege to interact with my esteemed colleagues as a member of the Corporation 

for Public Broadcasting board. I have had the opportunity, Mr. 

11 

Chairman, to meet and listen to many, many viewers and those 

people who run our public television and public radio stations 

across America and to learn how these public television entities 

and radio stations are affecting the lives of each individual American. 

I have also continued to keep up my readings, Mr. Chairman, on 

the history and the purpose and the practice and the ultimate mission of public broadcasting that we should never lose sight of in our 

great and diverse country. What I have seen and heard is most rewarding, and I believe it validates our public investment in this 

great enterprise. 

And it is, Mr. Chairman, a great investment. It is a great investment in our children, in our educational system, and it is a great 

investment in America. 

We are currently celebrating over 40 years of public broadcasting 

in America. Every citizen of our country, rural and urban alike, 

now has access to the many varied programs offered by public 

radio and television. With the large television transition coming 

next year, that access is going to be increasingly digital and will 

span many new and different medias—iPods, phones, games—and 

it will be accompanied by more outreach work. 

Notwithstanding the many contributions the commercial stations 

and the new cable systems have made, more and more, the average 

citizen in America has established a very special, unique relationship, even a bond, with their favorite program brought to them by 

public broadcast and public radio. We have heard this from so 

many people all over the country through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s My Source initiative, which asks viewers and listeners alike to tell local stations what they like best about their 

services. 

I believe, Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of the Committee, that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with its 

unique partnerships, member outlets, State governments, and private donors, has truly developed a real family, and a strong family 

at that, of support for the common belief that the American experience with each other through this system of public broadcast, television and radio, has met with enormous success. This experience 

has helped to bring us together to define ourselves and to explore 

in a very transparent way our differences and also, most importantly, our common interests. 

Respectfully, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it 

would be so difficult to imagine America without, some 40 years 

ago, ‘‘Sesame Street,’’ Robert McNeil, Jim Lehrer, ‘‘Antiques 

Roadshow,’’ ‘‘All Things Considered,’’ local and national debates, 

‘‘Car Talk,’’ ‘‘Mr. Rogers,’’ the real and living part of our American 

landscape that has spanned these four decades of public broadcast. 

Mr. Chairman, I can attest that I bring no agenda with my nomination today. Although I have very little experience in the field of 

radio or television broadcasting, I have learned a great deal in my 

last 22 months, I certainly hope, both from my wonderful and diverse colleagues on the Board—from the fine staff that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has assembled; from our Chief Executive Officer, Pat Harrison; and from trips and meetings that we 

have attended as a Board. 

12 

In fact, Mr. Chairman, we had this past summer a very, very 

constructive meeting and a 3-day session in your state of Hawaii, 

which I must say was most enjoyable. 

I pledge that I do bring a strong commitment to this system, 

which is reinforced through my exposure to the good work of the 

corporation that it has accomplished, and I would like to continue, 

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, to help make a contribution to CPB’s quest for excellence. We are certainly on our 

way. And because of public radio and public television, I do believe 

that America is a better place. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And once again, thank you for the accommodations to allow me to appear from Little Rock, Arkansas, 

on this teleconference. I look forward to meeting our new colleagues on the board as we go through this coming year—through 

the coming years ahead. Thank you. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Senator 

David Pryor follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. DAVID H. PRYOR, RENOMINATED TO BE A MEMBER

OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Mr. Chairman and Distinguished Members of the Committee: 

I am honored to join you once more as I am re-nominated to the Board of the 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I want to give a special thanks to you, Chairman Inouye, and all of the Commerce Committee Staff for accommodating my 

schedule this morning and allowing me to appear before you via teleconference. 

For going on 2 years, I have had the opportunity to interact with my esteemed 

colleagues, with public stations’ staff and with independent producers, to meet the 

listeners and the viewers, to see how CPB’s educational and investigative programming truly affects the lives of Americans. I have continued to keep up my reading 

on the history, purpose, practice, and ultimate mission of public broadcasting in our 

great and diverse country. What I have seen and heard is rewarding, and I believe 

validates our public investment in this enterprise. 

America is currently celebrating forty years of public broadcasting in our country. 

Virtually every American citizen, in every rural and urban neighborhood, now has 

access to the many varied programs offered by public radio and television. And with 

the television transition next year, that access will be increasingly digital, and will 

span many new and different media—iPods, phones, games, and will be accompanied by more outreach work. 

Notwithstanding the many contributions the commercial stations and new cable 

systems have made, more and more the average citizen in America has established 

a special relationship, even a bond, with their favorite program brought to them by 

public broadcast and public radio. We have heard this from so many people over 

the last year through CPB’s My Source initiative, which asks viewers and listeners 

to tell local stations what they like best about their services. 

I truly believe that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with its unique partnerships with member outlets, state governments, and private donors, has developed a strong family of support for the common belief that sharing the American 

experience with each other through public broadcast television and radio has met 

enormous success. This experience has helped bring us together, to define ourselves, 

to explore in a very transparent way our differences and common interests. 

Respectfully, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, it would be difficult 

to imagine what America might have missed had we failed some forty years ago to 

authorize and commit to a system of public broadcasting—Sesame Street. Robert 

McNeil and Jim Lehrer. Antiques Roadshow. All Things Considered. Local and national debates. Car Talk. Mr. Rogers—a real and living part of our American landscape. 

Mr. Chairman—I can attest that I bring no agenda with my nomination. Although 

I have very little experience in the field of radio or television broadcasting, I have 

learned a great deal in my last 22 months—both from my diverse colleagues and 

from the trips and meetings that we have attended as a Board. 

I pledge that I do bring a strong commitment—which is reinforced through my 

exposure to the good work that the Corporation has accomplished—and I would like 

13 

to continue, to help contribute to CPB’s quest for excellence. Because of public radio 

and television, I believe that America is a better place. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name (include any former names or nicknames used): David Hampton Pryor. 

2. Position to which nominated: Board of Directors, Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

3. Date of Nomination: June 2008. 

4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses): 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: 1405 N. Pierce Street, Suite 212, Little Rock, AR 72207. 

5. Date and Place of Birth: August 29, 1934; Camden, Arkansas. 

6. Provide the name, position and place of employment for your spouse (if married) and the name and ages of your children (including stepchildren and children 

by a previous marriage): 

Barbara Lunsford Pryor, (wife—self-employed Interior Decorator); children: 

David Hampton Pryor, Jr., son, 48; Mark Lunsford Pryor, son, 45; Scott Newton 

Pryor, son, 42. 

7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school attended: 

B.A., University of Arkansas, 1957. 

L.L.B., University of Arkansas, 1964. 

8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all management-level 

jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to the position for which you are 

nominated. 

Publisher, The Ouachita Citizen. 

Arkansas State Representative. 

United States Representative (AR). 

Governor, State of Arkansas. 

United States Senator (AR). 

Distinguished Professor, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. 

Distinguished Professor, Lyon College. 

Fellow, Institute of Politics, Harvard University. 

Director, Institute of Politics, Harvard University. 

Consultant, Federal Express Corporation. 

Managing Director, Herrington, Inc. 

Consultant, CorpHealth. 

Consultant, Waste Management. 

Consultant, Financial Services Corporation. 

Consultant, Halter Financial Group. 

Consultant, Anawah, Inc. 

Consultant, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives. 

Consultant, Waste Management. 

Partner, Sundquist, Pryor, Boland, Reeves, Cloud. 

Consultant, George Tagg Consulting. 

9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached. 

10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than those listed above, within the last 5 years: Comptroller General’s Commission to Study the Federal Workers 

11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, partner, proprietor, 

agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, 

or other business, enterprise, educational, or other institution within the last 5 

years. 

Consultant, University of Arkansas. 

Dean, Clinton School of Public Service, University of Arkansas. 

Consultant, Federal Express Corporation. 

Managing Director, Herrington, Inc. 

14 

Consultant, CorpHealth. 

Consultant, Waste Management. 

Consultant, Financial Services Corporation. 

Consultant, Halter Financial Group. 

Consultant, Anawah, Inc. 

Consultant, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives. 

Consultant, Waste Management. 

Partner, Sundquist, Pryor, Boland, Reeves, Cloud. 

12. Please list each membership you have had during the past 10 years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religious organization, private club, or other membership organization. Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or organization restricts membership 

on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. 

Heifer International Board Member 2000–2005 (approx.) 

Winrock International Board Member 1998–2000 (approx.) 

Alfalfa Club, 1995 to present. 

Arkansas Arts Center. 

KLRE/KUAR. 

Arkansas Rep Theatre. 

Arkansas Alumni Association, 1990 to present. 

Arkansas Bar Association, since admitted to Bar. 

Association of Former Members of Congress, 2004 to present. 

Chenal Country Club Member, 1998–2000 (approx.) 

Rotary Club of Little Rock, honorary, 1997 to present. 

Blessings Country Club, member, 2008. 

13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held public office (elected, nonelected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any campaign has any outstanding 

debt, the amount, and whether you are personally liable for that debt: Yes, no outstanding debt. 

14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign, or organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for the 

past 10 years. Also list all offices you have held with, or services rendered to, a state 

or national political party or election committee during the same period. 

Mark Pryor for U.S. Senate 

Will Pryor for Congress 

Hillary Clinton for President 

Chet Culver Committee 

Democratic Party of Arkansas 

John Kerry for President 

Meeks for Congress 

Ed Stanton for Congress 

Dodd for Senate 

Jimmie Lou Fisher Campaign 

Boren for Congress 

Mike Beebe for Governor 

Mike Hathorn 

Vic Snyder for Congress 

15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition for outstanding service or 

achievements. 

Heinz Award Juror for Public Policy. 

AARP Andrus Award. 

1st Annual Wilbur D. Mills Leadership Award for Preserving Social Security. 

KARK Community Service Award. 

Fellow & Director, Institute of Politics, Harvard University. 

15 

Distinguished Service Award, Arkansas Press Association. 

Arkansas Broadcasters Association Arkansan of the Year. 

Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism Hall of Fame. 

The International Foundation’s Public Service Award. 

Eagle Award, Washington Regional Medical Foundation. 

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging President’s Award. 

Arkansas Education Association Friend of Education Award. 

Diamond Award, Arkansas Chapter Public Relations Society of America. 

University of AR Law School Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Elected Officials Appreciation Award—AR Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. 

Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. 

Historic Preservation Alliance of AR—Parker Westbrook Lifetime Achievement 

Award. 

Charles M. West Distinguished American Ward—97th NARD Annual Convention. 

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Certificate of Appreciation in 

Grateful Recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of Gerontology 

and Geriatrics. 

Easter Seals Man of the Year. 

Golden Plow Award, American Farm Bureau Federation. 

Legislative Conservationists of the Year Award by AR Wildlife Federation in 

Cooperation With the National Wildlife Federation and Sears Roebuck & Co. 

Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award. 

Honorary Doctorate University of Arkansas. 

Honorary Doctorate Henderson State University. 

Honorary Doctorate Lyon College. 

Honorary Doctorate Philander Smith College. 

16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of 

these publications unless otherwise instructed. 

During my years in public service, I have given numerous speeches and have authored several articles and have not kept a record of such. 

17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified orally or in writing 

before Congress in a governmental or non-governmental capacity and specify the 

date and subject matter of each testimony. 

I have served in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. All of 

these are public record. 

18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish 

to serve in that position? 

I have served 11⁄2 years as a Member of the Board of the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting. I seriously desire to continue carrying out the overall mission of public broadcasting in America as set out in the enabling legislation of 1967. 

19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that the 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

My responsibility as a Member of the Board is to help constantly monitor the financial resources granted to the CPB by the U.S. Congress. 

20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/ 

agency, and why? 

To help disseminate objective information, to assist member stations throughout 

America, to meet independent and local challenges of public broadcasting, and to 

make certain our Board acts in a non-partisan manner, listening to the concerns of 

the citizens we serve. 

B. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement accounts. 

16 

Federal Express Corporation, consultant. 

Herrington, Inc., Managing Director. 

2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, to maintain 

employment, affiliation or practice with any business, association or other organization during your appointment? If so, please explain. 

See above 

Additionally, this Fall I will serve as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the 

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. 

3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated: None. 

4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated: None. 

5. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have been engaged 

for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law and public policy: None. 

6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items: N/A. 

C. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, explain: No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain: No. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual harassment or 

discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please 

explain: No. 

6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination: 

N/A. 

D. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by Congressional committees? Yes 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

Congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? 

Yes 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may reasonably be requested to do so? Yes. 

RESUME OF DAVID H. PRYOR

Education 

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 1954–1957. 

B.A. Political Science 

University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, Arkansas 1961–1964. 

L.L.B. 

Employment Summary 

Publisher, The Ouachita Citizen, Camden, Arkansas 1957–1961. 

17 

Arkansas House of Representatives, 1960–1966. 

Attorney, Pryor and Barnes, Camden, Arkansas 1964–1966. 

U.S. Representative, 4th District Arkansas, 1966–1972. 

Governor, State of Arkansas 1975–1979. 

U.S. Senator, State of Arkansas 1979–1996. 

Academic Appointments 

Fulbright Distinguished Fellow of Law and Public Affairs, University of Arkansas School of Law. Fayetteville, Arkansas 1997. 

Distinguished Professor, Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas 1999. 

Fellow, John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Institute of Politics, Harvard 

University 1999. 

Director of the Institute of Politics, Harvard University 2000. 

Blair Center Distinguished Lecturer in Fulbright College, University of Arkansas. Fayetteville, Arkansas 2003. 

Special Honors and Recognitions 

Honorary Doctorate, University of Arkansas. 

Honorary Doctorate, Henderson State University. 

Honorary Doctorate, Lyon College. 

Honorary Doctorate, Philander Smith College. 

Honorary Doctorate, Hendrix College. 

Arkansas Wildlife Federation/National Wildlife Federation Legislative Conservationist of the Year (1982). 

American Farm Bureau Federation Golden Plow Award (1989). 

Easter Seals Arkansan of the Year (1991). 

UAMS Certificate of Appreciation ‘‘In grateful recognition of outstanding contributions to the fields of Gerontology and Geriatrics’’ (1992). 

Charles M. West Distinguished American Award (97th Annual NARD Annual 

Convention, (1995)). 

University of Arkansas Law School Distinguished Alumni Award (1996). 

Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas ‘‘Parker Westbrook Lifetime Achievement Award’’ (1996). 

Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame (1996). 

Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Elected Officials Appreciation 

Award (1996). 

Arkansas Chapter PRSA Diamond Award (1997). 

Arkansas Education Association Friend of Education Award (1997). 

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging President’s Award (1997). 

Washington Regional Medical Foundation Eagle Award (1997). 

International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plan Public Service Award 

(1997). 

Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism Hall of Fame (1997). 

Arkansas Broadcasters Association Arkansan of the Year (1997). 

Arkansas Press Association Distinguished Service Award (1997). 

Arkansas Community Foundation Roots and Wings Award (1998). 

KARK Community Service Award (1999). 

First Annual Wilbur D. Mills Leadership Award for Preserving Social Security 

(1999). 

AARP Andrus Award (2002). 

Heinz Award ‘‘Juror for Public Policy’’ (2004). 

Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award. 

UAMS Distinguished Service Award. 

Selected and Philanthropic Organizations 

Board of Directors, Winrock International (1999–2002). 

Board of Directors, Heifer Project international (1998 to present). 

18 

Selected Activities 

International Rescue Committee, Albania (1999). 

Long-Term Care Project, Institute for Healthcare Policy, Georgetown University 

(2000–2002). 

Comptroller General’s Commission to Study the Federal Workforce (2000–2003). 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank you very much, Senator Pryor. You have 

come through loud and clear. 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Thank you, sir. 

The CHAIRMAN. And I commend you for your continuation of public service. I knew you had it in you. But if you don’t mind, I will 

call upon your son to question you. A son should not—— 

[Laughter.] 

Senator MARK PRYOR. Mr. Chairman, thank you. 

I really don’t have any questions for the panel. But again, thank 

you all for your interest in serving public broadcasting. I think it 

is a very important part of the American fabric, as I said a few moments ago. 

And I know how much my father treasures the opportunity to 

serve in that way because he has that strong conviction of how important it is. So I am glad to see the rest of you all doing the same 

thing. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. You don’t wish to question your father? 

Senator MARK PRYOR. Well, is he under oath? That is what I 

want to know. No, we will leave that for later, but thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Senator Stevens? 

STATEMENT OF HON. TED STEVENS, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA 

Senator STEVENS. I don’t know what we can do with two Pryors 

at the same time on this Committee. That is the problem. 

I, too, congratulate you for being willing to continue to serve, 

Senator, and am happy to see you here today. 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Thank you, sir. 

Senator STEVENS. Would you put my statement in the record 

someplace, Mr. Chairman? I am sorry to be late. 

The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, so ordered. 

[The prepared statement of Senator Stevens follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. TED STEVENS, U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA

Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this morning’s hearing. I am pleased to see 

all the nominees here today. 

In an age when talk shows and soap operas rule daytime television and reality 

shows are rampant in primetime, it is important that viewers, especially children, 

have access to the educational and diverse programming provided by public broadcasting. 

These programs are available through both TV and radio, and most, if not everyone in this room, has likely watched or listened to a program produced by a public 

broadcasting station like PBS or NPR. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is 

responsible for supporting these stations and ensuring that the programming is 

available to the general public. 

The nominees today have been selected to perform a vital role as members of the 

Board of Directors of CPB. I know a few of them already have experience on this 

board, and I thank them for their continued willingness to serve. To the rest, I also 

thank them and I look forward to hearing from them. 

19 

Senator STEVENS. Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Senator Hutchison? Senator Hutchison, do you 

want to question Senator Pryor? 

STATEMENT OF HON. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS 

Senator HUTCHISON. I was just trying to find out exactly what— 

where you were because I was late. Has everyone made opening 

statements or not made opening statements? 

The CHAIRMAN. You may make your opening statement. 

Senator HUTCHISON. Just wanting to know what your format is. 

Have they made opening statements yet? 

The CHAIRMAN. Yes. 

Senator HUTCHISON. OK. Well, let me just say—and David, it is 

great to see you again, and all of you here who are nominated for 

the Board—it is such an important Board for our country. And 

while many people, we have so many choices on channels now, 

there is no channel that gives programming for young children like 

the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

It is the one that you can rely on that will be educational and 

appropriate, and I am not going to ever have to worry about hearing words that I won’t let my children use. I don’t ever have to 

worry about violence or people not treating each other with respect, 

which you do find on other ‘‘cartoon channels.’’ 

So I appreciate that, and when we are into the question period, 

I just will ask if everyone is committed to continuing wholesome, 

educational programming for children because there is no alternative out there for that. 

And then second, I think the outreach that the CPB does in our 

communities in the Ready To Learn program for literacy for ages 

2 through 8, which has even won an award from the Department 

of Education, is also another major achievement. 

And the news, Jim Lehrer is still just the greatest at providing 

in-depth news analysis and coverage and interviews. He does a 

super job. McNeil/Lehrer was one of my favorites for years, and 

now Jim Lehrer has just continued to provide that kind of in-depth 

backup news that we wouldn’t get other places. 

So I thank you all for being willing to serve, every one of you. 

I have read your qualifications, and I think you are an excellent 

mix of our great Nation. And so, I applaud it. 

And Mr. Chairman, thank you for—I think you have already said 

that we are going to have a markup off the floor to allow these 

nominees to go forward. Is that correct? 

The CHAIRMAN. We will do our best. 

Senator HUTCHISON. Oh, OK. Well, I hope we will because if we 

can have the confirmation off the floor so that they can move forward, I think it would be a great asset for our country. 

So thank you very much. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Senator Thune? 

20 

STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN THUNE, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM SOUTH DAKOTA 

Senator THUNE. Mr. Chairman, I don’t have any questions for 

our nominees, but I do want to thank them for their willingness 

to serve and, in some cases, to re-up and do another term. We have 

got some wonderful people with some great resumes and a wealth 

of experience and knowledge that they can bring to these positions. 

And so, I know that public service is a calling, and I appreciate 

anybody who is willing to do it when there are lots of other demands on their time. And so, I appreciate very much the service 

of our nominees and look forward to moving those nominations 

fairly quickly and appreciate your all being here today. Thank you. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

And now I would like to call upon a member of the CPB who is 

up for reappointment, the Honorable Cheryl Feldman Halpern. 

STATEMENT OF HON. CHERYL FELDMAN HALPERN, 

MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

Ms. HALPERN. Thank you. 

Chairman Inouye, Senator Hutchison, and distinguished Members of this Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to address the 

Committee and for your consideration of my nomination to serve a 

second term on the Board of the CPB. 

My time at the CPB has been among the most fulfilling of my 

years of involvement in public service. A commitment that has included service on the Boards for International Broadcasting, Broadcasting Board of Governors, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, the President’s Advisory Council of Barnard College, 

and the Women’s Democracy Network. 

Since 2002, I have served on the Board of CPB, and I was also 

privileged to be elected by my Board colleagues to serve two terms 

as Chair. I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about my work 

on the CPB Board in particular. As you know, the board is charged 

with overseeing compliance with the laws and regulations governing the corporation and the use of public broadcasting funds. 

CPB’s Board has extensive oversight over matters related to 

budgetary controls and governance. We give the CPB staff broad 

policy guidance, consistent with the directives of the law, but the 

Board has no role in individual program decisions. 

Shortly after my becoming Chairman, the Board received the 

findings and recommendations of the CPB’s Office of the Inspector 

General, published in November 2005. As soon as we received the 

OIG’s recommendations, we moved to act deliberately and effectively. A comprehensive review of the governance and internal operations of the corporation followed, and we call this review 

‘‘Project Champion.’’ 

For the first time in CPB’s 40-year history, we initiated a topto-bottom review of its operations and procedures. Never before had 

our organization undertaken a major examination of every task, operation, and practice to ensure that CPB is following best practices 

and promoting accountability. 

21 

We needed to establish a tone from the top based on integrity, 

ethical values, and clear assignments of authority and responsibility, which are critical to the success of any organization. Thus, 

the Board established a Corporate Governance Committee currently chaired by one of our Board members and one of your former 

colleagues, Senator David Pryor, and as well as an Executive Compensation Committee. 

As part of Project Champion, the Board also implemented a new 

code of ethics and a conflict of interest policy for directors, clarified 

board and CEO roles and responsibilities, committed to transparent actions during board meetings, prevented the use of political 

tests and employment decisions, adopted a whistleblower policy, 

adopted new expense guidelines, and committed to a revision of its 

role in CPB contracting. 

I am proud that in my time as chair we made these significant 

revisions to our governance procedures, established more clearly 

defined roles and responsibilities for the Board Chair and for the 

CPB President and CEO. In addition, the Board, under my tenure 

as Chair and since, has committed to holding more meetings outside of Washington, D.C. This allows us to see for ourselves how 

America’s public television and radio stations are, in fact, serving 

these local public audiences. 

There is an old public broadcasting saying. ‘‘When you have seen 

one public broadcasting station, you have seen one public broadcasting station.’’ My fellow Board members’ and my experiences 

certainly reflect that sentiment. In the past few years, we have individually and as a Board visited stations across the country. Every 

station we have visited is unique, with its own history, its own 

challenges, and its own understanding of its place in the community. 

These visits offer us valuable opportunities to connect with public 

broadcasting where it happens and to learn from the men and 

women who work every day to bring their communities not only the 

programming, but also the outreach, the online services, and the 

opportunity for community engagement that set public broadcasting apart. 

To give just one example, on our trip to Hawaii, where we visited 

with you, Mr. Chairman, we learned how the islands that make up 

the state use public broadcasting for emergency preparedness, for 

promoting literacy, and for celebrating the state’s diverse and special culture. 

We are also working to raise public awareness of the excellence 

in our programming. I am proud to currently serve the Board as 

its Chairman of the Public Awareness Committee, which carries 

forward this work on an ongoing basis. 

By reaching out to local station boards, conducting station visits, 

working to educate opinion leaders and elected representatives, 

and doing regular outreach, we are making ourselves effective 

goodwill Ambassadors on behalf of all public broadcasters. We 

strive to give voice to a simple message. Public broadcasting is our 

source for quality programming across the entire spectrum of possibility. 

All of these efforts bear the imprint and reflect the hard work of 

a dedicated staff and board. My goal as a member of the Board has 

22 

been, and I hope will continue to be, to responsibly serve as a fiduciary for public broadcasting as mandated by Congress. 

Thank you again, Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of 

the Committee, for inviting me to testify today. And I would be 

happy to answer any questions you might have. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms. 

Halpern follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. CHERYL FELDMAN HALPERN, MEMBER, BOARD OF

DIRECTORS, CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Chairman Inouye, Senator Hutchison, and Members of this Committee, thank you 

for this opportunity to address the Committee and for your consideration of my 

nomination to serve a second term on the Board of the CPB. 

My time at CPB has been among the most fulfilling during the years of my involvement in public service—a commitment that has included service on the Boards 

for International Broadcasting, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, the President’s Advisory Council of Barnard 

College, and the Women’s Democracy Network. Since 2002, I have served on the 

Board of CPB, and I was also privileged to be elected by my board colleagues to 

serve two terms as Chair. 

I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about my work on the CPB Board in 

particular. As you know, the Board is charged with overseeing compliance with the 

laws and regulations governing the Corporation and the use of public broadcasting 

funds. CPB’s Board has extensive oversight over matters related to budgetary controls and governance. We give the CPB staff broad policy guidance, consistent with 

the directives of the law, but the Board has no role in individual program decisions. 

Shortly after my becoming Chairman, the Board received the findings and recommendations of CPB’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), published in November 2005. 

As soon as we received the OIG’s recommendations, we moved to act deliberately 

and effectively. A comprehensive review of the governance and internal operations 

of the Corporation followed; we call this review Project Champion. 

For the first time in CPB’s 40-year history, we initiated a top-to-bottom review 

of its operations and procedures. Never before had our organization undertaken a 

major examination of every task, operation and practice to ensure that CPB is following best practices and promoting accountability. 

We needed to establish a ‘‘tone from the top’’ based on integrity, ethical values, 

and clear assignments of authority and responsibility, which are critical to the success of any organization. Thus the Board established a Corporate Governance Committee, currently chaired by one of our Board members and one of your former colleagues, Senator David Pryor, and an Executive Compensation Committee. 

As part of Project Champion, the Board also implemented a new code of ethics 

and a conflict of interest policy for directors; clarified board and CEO roles and responsibilities; committed to transparent actions during board meetings; prevented 

the use of political tests in employment decisions; adopted a whistleblower policy; 

adopted new expense guidelines; and committing to a revision of its role in CPB contracting. 

I am proud that in my time as Chair, we made these significant revisions to our 

governance procedures, established more clearly defined roles and responsibilities 

for the Board Chair and for the CPB President and CEO, and improved accountability and transparency in the operations of our organization. 

In addition, the Board, under my tenure as Chair and since, has committed to 

holding more meetings outside of Washington, D.C. This allows us to see for ourselves how America’s public television and radio stations are in fact serving these 

local public audiences. There’s an old public broadcasting saying that ‘‘when you’ve 

seen one public broadcasting station, you’ve seen one public broadcasting station.’’ 

My fellow Board members’ and my experiences certainly reflect that sentiment. In 

the past few years we have, individually and as a Board, visited stations in Alaska, 

Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, 

New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and West Virginia. Every station we have visited is unique, with its own history, its own challenges, and its own understanding of its place in its community. 

We have taken every opportunity to meet with station managers, staff and members of station boards of directors. Through these visits we have been able to see 

firsthand the role that public broadcasting plays in linking people and their commuVerDate Nov 24 2008 12:49 Apr 23, 2013 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\80430.TXT JACKIE
23 

nities with ideas, information and the resources they need in order to address communal concerns and create positive change. 

These visits offer us valuable opportunities to connect with public broadcasting 

where it happens, and to learn from the men and women who work every day to 

bring to their communities not only the programming, but also the outreach, the online services, and the opportunities for community engagement that set public 

broadcasting apart. 

To give just one example, on our trip to Hawaii, where we visited with you, Mr. 

Chairman, we learned how the islands that make up the state use public broadcasting for emergency preparedness, for promoting literacy, and for celebrating the 

state’s diverse and special culture. 

We are also working to raise public awareness of the excellence in our programming. I am proud to serve the Board currently as its Chairman of the Public Awareness Committee, which carries forward this work on an ongoing basis. By reaching 

out to local station boards, conducting station visits, working to educate opinion 

leaders and elected representatives, and doing regular outreach, we are making ourselves effective good will Ambassadors on behalf of all public broadcasters. We need 

to continue to engage the larger public audience—not just PBS viewers and NPR 

listeners—but those who simply do not know about the excellence that exists every 

day on America’s public broadcasting stations. We strive to give voice to a simple 

message: public broadcasting is ‘‘My Source’’ for quality programming across the entire spectrum of possibility. As I have often said, we need to share our pride in public broadcasting. 

All of these efforts bear the imprint and reflect the hard work of a dedicated staff 

and board. I can say that I have learned much during the course of my service on 

the CPB Board; whether it was in the preparation of the Board’s response to the 

OIG’s review, the creation of Project Champion, the positive interaction resulting 

from bringing our meetings to the communities across America or the enthusiasm 

for the Public Awareness Initiative. My goal as a member of the Board has been, 

and I hope, will continue to be, to responsibly serve as a fiduciary for public broadcasting as mandated by Congress. Thank you again, Mr. Chairman and Members 

of the Committee, for inviting me to testify today. I would be happy to answer any 

questions you might have. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name (include any former names or nicknames used): Cheryl Miriam Feldman 

Halpern (nee Feldman). 

2. Position to which nominated: Director, Corporation for Public Broadcasting (renomination). 

3. Date of nomination: June 3, 2008 (re-nomination). 

4. Address (list current place of residence and office addresses). 

Residence: Information is not available to public. 

Office: Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 1401 Ninth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004–2129. 

5. Date and place of birth: November 20, 1954; New Haven, CT. 

6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including stepchildren and children 

by a previous marriage. 

Spouse: Frederick Michael Halpern, Real Estate Developer, Partner, Atlantic 

Realty, 1190 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095; children: Yonina 

Halpern Gomberg, age 29; Maiera Halpern Werthenschlag, age 26; Alexander 

Halpern, age 23. 

7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school attended. 

Barnard College, 1975, B.A. 

NYU Graduate School of Business Administration, 1980, MBA Finance. 

8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all management-level 

jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to the position for which you are 

nominated. 

Date of Employment Employer/Address Title 

Aug. 2002—Present Corporation for Public Broadcasting Director 

24 

Date of Employment Employer/Address Title 

Sept. 2000—Present FCYMA/H, LLC 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

Member 

Nov. 1999—Present Mountain Ledge Investors, LLC 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

Member 

1998—Present Peppermint Spice, LLC 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

Member 

Sept. 1995—2002 Broadcasting Board of Governors 

Washington, D.C. 20036 

Member 

April 1992—Present Integrated CFH Associates, G.P. 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

Partner 

Dec. 1988—Present Then As Now, L.P. 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

Partner 

Oct. 1990—August 1995 Board for International Broadcasting 

Washington, D.C. 20036 

Member 

May 1988 –1996 Porcupine Enterprises, Inc. 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

Secretary-Treasurer 

1984–1997 CFYM Associates, Inc. 

Livingston, New Jersey 07039 

President 

9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached. 

10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than those listed above, within the last 5 years: Not applicable. 

11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, partner, proprietor, 

agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, 

or other business, enterprise, educational, or other institution within the last 5 

years. 

National Women’s Committee of Republican Honorary Chairman 

Jewish Coalition 

Washington Institute for Near East Policy Lifetime Trustee 

International Republican Institute Member of Board 

Barnard College President’s Advisory Council Member 

Jewish Policy Center Trustee 

Queen of Sheba Foundation Chairman 

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Member of Board 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting Director, Chairman 

Mountain Ledge Investors, LLC Member 

Peppermint Spice, LLC Member 

Integrated CFH Associates, GP Partner 

Then-As-Now, LP Partner 

12. Please list each membership you have had during the past 10 years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent, or religious organization, private club, or other membership organization. Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or organization restricts membership 

on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. 

To the best of my knowledge, none restrict membership on any of the listed bases. 

I am interpreting ‘‘membership’’ broadly and have attempted to include the organizations in which I am called a ‘‘member’’ by virtue of having made contributions. 

Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) National Chairman (1993 to 2001); Member of Board of Directors 

National Women’s Committee, Honorary 

Chairman (10/07 to present) 

B’nai B’rith International Chairman, U.N. Affairs Committee (1998 

to 1992). 

Life Member 

Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy Member, Board of Education (Resigned); 

Board of Trustees (Resigned) 

Anti-Defamation League Member, Regional Advisory Board 

Beaver Creek Club Member 

Capitol Hill Club Member 

Carnegie Club Member (1998 to present) 

N.J. Israel Commission Member (1989 to 2001) 

Lexington Institute Board of Trustees Member (No longer serving) 

25 

Washington Institute for Near East Policy Lifetime Trustee 

The Hudson Institute 

Business Executives for National Security 

National Committee on American Foreign Policy 

American Horse Show Association Life Member 

Central N.J. Home for the Aged Life Member 

AMIT Women Life Member 

The Friendship Circle 

Simon Wiesenthal Center International Leadership Council Member 

Holocaust Resource Foundation 

Young Israel of Bal Harbor and Surfside 

The Shul 

Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center 

Congregation B’Nai Vail 

Jewish-Americans for Franks Co-Chairman (8/14/00 to 11/00) (No longer 

exists) 

Bionexus Foundation Director (Inactive since 5/00) 

International Republican Institute Member of Board (9/99 to present) 

Women’s Democracy Network 

American Heart Association 

Essex County Ritualarium 

Barnard College President’s Advisory Council Member 

Garden State Arts Center Foundation 

Congregation B’Nai Joseph DME 

International Fellowship of Christians and Jews 

North American Jewish Forum 

Institute of Semitic Studies, Princeton University 

Vail Valley Foundation 

American Israel Public Affairs Committee 

Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs 

American Cancer Society 

Weizman Institute of Technology 

Jewish Educational Center 

The Frisch School 

Jewish National Fund 

American Red Magen David for Israel 

Commonwealth Jewish Trust 

Yeshiva University 

Dorot 

Meals on Wheels 

Yad Vashem 

American—Israel Foundation 

Jewish Policy Center Trustee 

Rabbinical College of America 

NCSY 

Orthodox Union 

Empower America 

NORPAC 

Bikur Cholim of Rockland County 

Project Mercy 

Stern College for Women of Yeshiva University 

American Friends of Shaare Zedek Medical Center 

Queen of Sheba Foundation Chairman (1/07 to present) 

Sesame Workshop 

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Member of Board (2005 to present) 

Words Can Heal Organization 

Meir Panim 

Music Cares Foundation 

Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS 

NJN Foundation 

Friends of WNET 

Friends of WBGO 

Friends of WNYC 

Bayith Lepleitot 

Seeds of Peace 

Robin Hood Foundation 

Republican Regents 

National Republican Senatorial Committee 

Republican Governor’s Association 

Republican Majority for Choice 

13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office (elected, nonelected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any campaign has any outstanding 

debt, the amount, and whether you are personally liable for that debt? 

Yes. For positions on Board for International Broadcasting, Broadcasting Board 

of Governors, Board of Corporation for Public Broadcasting. No outstanding debt. 

14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500.00 or more for 

26 

the past 10 years. Also, list al offices you have held with, and services rendered to, 

a state or national political party or election committee during the same period. 

This information is retained in Committee files. 

15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition for outstanding service or 

achievements. 

10/2007 Award for Excellence, National Women’s Committee, Republican Jewish Coalition 

6/2006 New Jersey Network Distinguished Public Service Award 

3/2005 In Celebration of Women’s History Month, Honored by the Essex County Board of Freeholders 

for ‘‘Her Outstanding Career in Broadcasting, Her Civic Involvement and Advocacy on Behalf of 

Women’s Rights, and for Embodying the Spirit and Accomplishments of Women Everywhere’’ 

16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have authored, individually, or with others. Also, list any speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for which y u have been nominated. Do not attach copies of 

these publications unless otherwise instructed. 

Speaking Engagements 

‘‘Maximizing the My Source Platform in Your Community,’’ My Source Public 

Awareness Initiative Conference, Chantilly, Virginia (03/08). 

Jeane K. Kirkpatrick Memorial Award Dinner, Women’s Democracy Network, 

Washington (03/08). 

CPB Chairman—Spoken at Public CPB Meetings in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, 

Hopi Reservation, Mississippi, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and 

Washington, D.C. 

Emma Bowen Scholars, Public Service Media Workshop, Washington, D.C. 

‘‘The Uses of Media: Information and Dis-Information,’’ Foundation for Defense 

of Democracies, Freeport, Bahamas (05/07). 

‘‘Children’s Literacy,’’ ‘‘Between The Lions,’’ Mississippi Public Broadcasting, 

Jackson, Mississippi (02/07). 

‘‘Challenges and Opportunities For Women In Politics And Governance In The 

Middle East And North Africa,’’ Women’s Democracy Network, Amman, Jordan 

(02/07). 

‘‘Developing Public Awareness,’’ Major Giving Initiative Conference, Lansdowne, 

Virginia (07/06). 

Presentation of Edward R. Murrow Award, New Orleans, Louisiana (07/06). 

‘‘Codes Of Conduct And Deontology Of The Global Media,’’ MEDEA Conference, 

Brussels, Belgium (05/06). 

‘‘Holocaust Heroes,’’ Premier of the New Jersey Network’s ‘‘The Hidden Child’’ 

(04/06). 

‘‘Children And Cyberhate,’’ American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center, New York, New York (02/06). 

‘‘Electronic Anti-Semitism,’’ International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians, 

Jerusalem, Israel (01/06). 

‘‘Children of Jerusalem: Painting Pain Dreaming Peace,’’ (11/05). 

Christine Todd Whitman Excellence in Public Service Series ‘‘Donor Relations’’ 

and ‘‘Grass Roots Outreach,’’ 2004. 

‘‘The Media And Anti-Semitism,’’ OSCE Conference on Anti-Semitism, Vienna, 

Austria (06/03). 

‘‘Your Soul Investment—Community Service,’’ B’Nai B’rith Forum on Public Policy, Baltimore, Maryland (02/03). 

‘‘U.S. International Broadcasting: Challenges and Opportunities in the Middle 

East, Iran and China,’’ USC Annenberg School for Communication (10/02). 

‘‘The Role of the Media in Covering Conflict,’’ Voice of America, Jakarta, Indonesia (07/01). 

‘‘Jewish Women In The Political Process,’’ Panel discussion, National Institute 

for Jewish Leadership (06/27/01). 

‘‘50 Anniversary of Voice of America Transmission From Tangier, Morocco,’’ 

Speech (03/08/00). 

27 

Articles 

‘‘Our Energy Security is Our National Responsibility,’’ by Cheryl Halpern and 

Michael David Epstein, New Jersey Jewish News (03/14/02). 

‘‘Bush Offers Fresh Start, New Promise for Education’’, by Cheryl Halpern and 

Matthew Brooks, New Jersey Jewish News (02/01/01). 

‘‘Bush, Goldsmith And the Faith-Based Policy,’’ Letter to Editor, Forward (02/ 

16/01). 

‘‘Azerbaijan’s Support the Kind That Muslim States Should Emulate,’’ by Cheryl 

Halpern and Jason Epstein, New Jersey Jewish News (11/08/01) 

‘‘Encouraging Muslim Moderation,’’ by Cheryl Halpern and Jason Epstein, Forward (11/16/01). 

‘‘Put Syria Back on Drug List,’’ Letter to Editor, Jewish Voice (December 1997). 

‘‘School Vouchers Give Parents More Power to Choose,’’ by Cheryl Halpern and 

Matthew Brooks, New Jersey Jewish News (10/16/97). 

‘‘Look Again—President Clinton Is No Friend of Israel,’’ by Max Fisher, Cheryl 

Halpern, and Matthew Brooks, The Jewish News (04/03/97). 

‘‘In Congress Jews Should Trust the Republicans,’’ by Richard Fox, Cheryl 

Halpern and Sheldon Kamins, The Jewish News (10/17/96). 

‘‘The Republicans’ Actions Speak Louder Than Words,’’ by Max Fisher and 

Cheryl Halpern, Washington Jewish Week (10/11/96). 

Salute to the Republican Congress, Speech (08/14/96). 

‘‘Nevertheless’’, Letter to the Editor, Washington Jewish Week (01/26/96). 

Women’s Rights: A Perspective on Beijing, Conference (11/15/95). 

‘‘Jewish Community Should Effect Change,’’ ‘‘Swing To GOP?’’, by Max Fisher 

and Cheryl Halpern (10/94). 

‘‘Reflections On the Accord,’’ NJC Bulletin (9/93, 10/93). 

‘‘George Bush Kept Promises, Has Been Tested In Crisis,’’ by Max Fisher, 

George Klein and Cheryl Halpern, The Jewish Standard, The Jewish News (10/ 

92). 

‘‘Convention Was A Great Success In Eyes Of Jewish Republicans,’’ by Cliff 

Sobel and Cheryl Halpern, The Jewish News (8/92). 

‘‘In Praise of Quayle,’’ by Cheryl Halpern and Elliot Felig, Letter to Editor, The 

Jewish News (5/89). 

‘‘Dodd & Weicker Should Stop Meddling In The Israel Issue,’’ Letter to Editor, 

New Haven Register (04/88). 

17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified orally or in writing 

before Congress in a governmental or non-governmental capacity and specify the 

date and subject matter of each testimony. 

03/21/07 Testimony as Chairman of CPB Board of Directors, Subcommittee on Labor, Health 

and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, U.S. House Committee on 

Appropriations. 

11/04/03 Confirmation hearing for appointment to CPB Board Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. 

07/20/95 Testimony before U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Official Hearing to 

be a member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. 

18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish 

to serve in that position? 

I have served on the boards of the Board of International Broadcasting, the 

Broadcasting Board of Governors, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting 

(CPB). I was Chairman of the Board of the CPB for two terms of office. Therefore, 

I have experience in U.S. Government funded broadcasting. More specifically, in 

1990, I was nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the Senate to serve on 

the Board for International Broadcasting (the ‘‘BIB’’). In 1995, when the BIB ceased 

to exist due to congressional legislation, I was the only carryforward to serve n the 

Broadcasting Board of Governors. I was subsequently re-nominated by President 

Clinton and confirmed by the Senate. In 2002, I be an my service on the Board of 

the CPB. I have served on the CPB Board of Directors for the past 6 years, and 

as Chairman of the Board for the last 2 years (October 2005–October 2007). During 

28 

my tenure as Chairman, we initiated a complete overall and reform of CPB’s governance and internal control procedures, we began an initiative to increase awareness of the value and service that public broadcasting offers Americans across our 

country, and I personally made sure that our board traveled round America to view 

public broadcasting, not in the reports and ane dotes received in Washington, D.C., 

but beyond the beltway in stat s like Alaska, Mississippi, Hawaii, North Dakota and 

Arizona. 

19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that the 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in managing large organization? 

Members of the Board of Directors, both individually and collectively as a governing body, are responsible for ensuring that the Corporation’s officers observe prudent management and accounting practices. This is achieved through an effective 

system of internal controls, approved by the Board, which include systematic reporting requirements. As Chair of the CPB Board, I initiated and oversaw ‘‘Project 

Champion,’’ a comprehensive reform of CPB’s governance and internal controls following the Inspector General’s November 2005 investigative report. That multi-year 

effort led to the adoption of a broad range of ‘‘best practices′′, patterned on Sarbanes-Oxley and other safeguards, which have made the work of CPB more transparent and effective. 

20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/ 

agency, and why? 

A major challenge facing the public broadcasting industry and, by extension, the 

CPB, is maintaining and expanding its service to the American people during the 

transition from analog to digital broadcasting. With respect to television, CPB’s 

most immediate task is to ensure hat the public television audience continues to be 

served by their stations after the February 17, 2009 deadline for analog shutoff. As 

such, in allocating its special digital appropriation provided by Congress, CPB has 

made its highest priority investment in the transmission and related equipment 

needed to help stations meet the transition. While not facing a date-certain shutoff, 

public radio stations are leading the way in adopting this new digital technology. 

This will allow them to enhance the quality and scope of services they provide to 

their communities, as well as to provide their listeners with richer quality sound 

than is currently available. 

Another challenge I would point to is that of ensuring public broadcasting’s leadership in children’s and educational programming in a fast-changing media landscape. Education is a core value of the public broadcasting community, as it has 

been since its inception. This fact is underscored by the results of a comprehensive 

CPB-commissioned survey of public television stations, which documents the educational services stations are providing directly to their communities. These services, which extend beyond the broadcast, range from helping to ensure that low-income children arrive at school ‘‘ready to learn’’; special in-person reading programs 

for parents and childcare providers; to professional development resources for teachers; to online activities designed to spark student learning in subjects such as 

science and math. As a current CPB Board member, and a nominee to continue my 

service on this Board, I am committed to doing all I can to sustain the robust and 

vital contribution public broadcasting stations make when it comes to education and 

an informed and strengthened civil society. 

A third challenge which we have begun to address is that of increasing the American people’s awareness of the breadth and depth of the services that public broadcasting has to offer and the value that public broadcasting brings to American society and local communities. From the bricks and mortar of station facilities in hundreds of communities across the country to thousands of hours of community service 

programming, including millions of dollars of investment in education and beyondthe-broadcast community engagement activities, the public media enterprise connects citizens to their local communities and is, simply put, a national treasure. As 

Chair of the CPB Board’s Public Awareness Committee, I believe that to preserve 

that treasure, it is essential that the American public, who have supported public 

broadcasting with their tax dollars, be made aware to the full extent of how public 

media enhances lives and enriches communities. 

B. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement accounts: Not applicable. 

29 

2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or info mal, to maintain 

employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, association or other organization during your appointment? If so, please explain: No. 

3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

I have already signed and provided to the CPB’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel a recusal letter confirming that I would refrain from participating in 

any covered transaction between CPB and any of the following entities in which I 

hold passive investments: Comcast Corp.; Linkton, Ltd.; Netlease.com; Time-Warner 

Cable; and Time-Warner, Inc. 

4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated: None. 

5. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have been engaged 

for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public 

policy. 

I have served as Chairman and then on the Legislative Committee of the Republican Jewish Coalition. In those capacities, I have been involved in communicating 

the concerns of the Jewish community. 

6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your response to the above items. 

If I become aware of a potential conflict of interest. I immediately will consult 

with the counsel to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and any other assigned 

ethics officer and will take appropriate steps to address the conflict issue in a manner completely satisfactory to counsel and the ethics officer, including recusal where 

appropriate. 

C. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain: No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: Not to my 

knowledge. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain. 

I was a plaintiff in the C.F.Y.M Associates, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation and 

Cheryl Halpern v. Andrew Philbrick d/b/a Hunter Farms, Ltd. and Cynthia Webber 

matter, Civil Action No: 87–2713 (REC), United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, commenced July 8, 1987; resolved by entry of Stipulation and 

Order of Settlement on September 25, 1987 and Supplemental Stipulation and 

Order of Settlement on October 23, 1987. 

I was a defendant in Ernest E. Pell v. RFE/RC, Inc., et al., Civil Action No: 94– 

2290 JR, United States District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed as 

against me by Order filed March 26, 1995. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including please of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual harassment or 

discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please 

explain: No. 

6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination: 

None. 

D. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by Congressional committees? Yes. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

Congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? Yes. 

30 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

RESUME OF CHERYL F. HALPERN

CPB Board Member 

Cheryl Halpern has a long record of public service in broadcasting, women’s 

issues, education, and international affairs. 

Mrs. Halpern has been nominated to the boards of both national and international 

public broadcasting organizations by Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and 

George W. Bush. 

In 1990, Mrs. Halpern was confirmed as a member of the Board for International 

Broadcasting and as a Director of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). From 

1995 through 2002, she served on the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) overseeing Voice of America, Radio and TV Marti, RFE/RL, Worldnet, Radio Free Asia 

and Radio Free Iraq. While serving on the BBG she helped create Radio Sawa, 

America’s Arabic radio service to the Middle East. In August 2002, Mrs. Halpern 

was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as a director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). In September 2005, she was elected to be chairman of the CPB. 

As a Presidentially-appointed U.S. delegate to the OSCE Conference on Anti-Semitism in 2003, Mrs. Halpern spoke before the plenary council on children’s programming and textbook development. She has supported the development of ‘‘Sesame 

Stories,’’ a program produced by the Sesame Workshop for Israeli, Jordanian and 

Palestinian children. In 2005 she helped bring the exhibit ‘‘Children of Jerusalem 

Painting Pain, Dreaming Peace’’ to the Palace of Westminster in London. 

Mrs. Halpern was a delegate from the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations to the 4th United Nations World Conference on Women’s Rights in 1995 in 

Beijing. In April 2005, she participated in the Iraqi Women’s Educational Institute 

conference in Jordan and addressed the importance of developing democratic values 

through education. In 2006 she became a member of the Women’s Democracy Network. 

Mrs. Halpern’s civic involvement includes participation on the boards of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, the President’s Advisory Council of Barnard 

College and the International Republican Institute. She also chaired the character 

education program of the Words Can Heal organization, a national campaign to curb 

gossip, fight verbal abuse and promote ethical speech. 

In March 2005, she was honored by the Essex County (New Jersey) Board of Chosen Freeholders for ‘‘her outstanding career in broadcasting, her civic involvement 

and advocacy on behalf of women’s rights, and for embodying the spirit and accomplishments of women everywhere.’’ In May 2006, she received from the New Jersey 

Network the Littell Award for distinguished public service. 

Mrs. Halpern has an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from New York University. She completed her undergraduate studies at Barnard College of Columbia 

University. Mrs. Halpern lives in New Jersey with her husband Fred. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Ms. Halpern. 

And may I now recognize Mr. Bruce M. Ramer? 

STATEMENT OF BRUCE M. RAMER, 

MEMBER-DESIGNATE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

Mr. RAMER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman Inouye, Ranking Member Hutchison, and distinguished Members of the Committee, first let me express my gratitude for your holding this hearing, especially at this time when the 

Committee’s schedule is so full with so many pressing issues. 

And of course, I do want to thank the President for nominating 

me to serve on the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

31 

I am very excited at the prospect of having the opportunity of 

serving CPB and of having the opportunity to help advance the 

cause of public broadcasting in the public interest—a cause with 

which I have been deeply involved and committed for some 25 

years—and to do everything I possibly can to strengthen it. 

I have long understood that public broadcasting is one of our 

country’s most important community assets. I would say it was a 

jewel in the crown of our community assets. And as an American, 

I am very proud of what public broadcasting accomplishes across 

our Nation. 

My involvement with public broadcasting began in 1992, when I 

joined the Board of Directors of KCET, the PBS affiliate covering 

Southern California. I served as Chairman of that Board from 2001 

to 2003, and other than a brief mandatory hiatus, I have been on 

the Board ever since. At this time, I serve on the Executive Committee, I chair the Programming Committee, and I am a member 

of the Audit Committee. 

And I have come—during this time, I have come to understand 

better the relationship between CPB and PBS and something of the 

nuances of that relationship. I should note that, if confirmed, I will, 

of course, recuse myself if any conflict should arise between CPB 

and KCET or in connection with any other entity with which I may 

be involved either as an attorney or otherwise. 

Public broadcasting fills a crucial need in our country by providing programming which might not otherwise see the light of day 

on commercial or pay television, programming such as that designed for our children, for caregivers, for preschoolers, and of special note, for all the elements of our increasingly diverse population. Programming which can be received by the 15 percent or so 

of our population which relies on free over-the-air broadcasting. 

At KCET, I saw how public television comes to grips with many 

of these issues, how local as well as national interests are served. 

In my written testimony submitted to the Committee, there are 

some examples of this. But I will omit them now in the interest of 

brevity. 

I do want to add, however, that my belief in the power and accomplishments of public radio is equally strong, and I look forward 

to expanding my knowledge of the shape of this medium today and 

its opportunity to grow in the future. 

But please let me comment briefly on the importance of CPB’s 

community service grants. CSGs, as you know, are unrestricted 

grants to stations. They permit stations to turn on the lights. They 

permit stations to operate. They permit stations to pay salaries and 

for public television stations to help pay PBS dues and to acquire 

programming. They are crucial. They are indispensable. 

My day job as an entertainment lawyer for most of my career 

also deals with communication and the media. This gives me an 

additional perspective and insights, which can be helpful if I am 

permitted to serve CPB. 

My interest in communications goes back to my college days and 

now includes service on the Board of Counselors and as Co-Executive Chair of the Executive Committee of the USC Annenberg 

School for Communications. This Board further exposes me to the 

32 

current and future needs and requirements of broadcasting, journalism, and the media. 

My law practice and my involvement with both the Annenberg 

School and KCET have helped to educate me about new and evolving media and the changing media landscape. There may be an 

even greater future for public broadcasting if it can seize the advantages of these new technologies. 

Other community involvements of mine, which range from having served as National President of the American Jewish Committee to membership on the Board of Trustees of the University 

of Southern California, Pacific Council for International Affairs, 

and the Herrhausen Institute for International Dialogue of the 

Deutsche Bank, will also help me to contribute more meaningfully 

to CPB if I am confirmed. 

And if I am confirmed, it is my hope to be part of a team 

strengthening an evolving public broadcasting system and its work 

in the communities across our country. I am committed to do all 

that I can to enhance the already high quality of public broadcasting for our citizens and to work toward even wider diversity of 

programming, be it news, education, information, or entertainment, 

always with the singular purpose of serving the interests of the 

American public. 

My commitment is passionate and deep. I hope to have the opportunity to serve my country and public broadcasting by being 

confirmed as a member of the Board of the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting. And I thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of this 

Committee, for the opportunity for making this presentation and 

look forward to answering any questions you may have. 

Thank you. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 

Ramer follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF BRUCE M. RAMER, MEMBER-DESIGNATE, 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Chairman Inouye, Ranking Member Hutchison and Members of the Committee, 

let me express my gratitude for your holding this hearing, especially at this time 

when the Committee’s schedule is so full with many pressing issues. And, naturally, 

my thanks to the President for nominating me to serve on the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

I am excited at the prospect of having the opportunity of serving CPB, of having 

the opportunity to help to advance the cause of public broadcasting in the public 

interest—a cause with which I have been deeply involved and committed for some 

25 years—and to do everything I possibly can to strengthen it. 

I have long understood that public broadcasting is one of our country’s most important community assets. As an American, I am very proud of what public broadcasting accomplishes across our nation. 

My involvement with public broadcasting began in 1992 when I joined the Board 

of Directors of KCET, the PBS affiliate in Los Angeles covering Southern California. 

I served as Chairman of that Board between 2001 and 2003, and other than a oneyear mandatory hiatus, I have been on the Board continuously. At this time, I serve 

on its Executive Committee, as Chair of its Programming Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee. In this time, I have come to understand better the relationship between PBS and CPB, and something of the nuances of that relationship. 

(I should note that I will, of course, recuse myself if any conflict should arise between CPB and KCET or in connection with any other entity with which I may be 

involved as an attorney or otherwise.) 

Public broadcasting fills a crucial need in our country by providing programming 

which might otherwise not see the light of day on commercial or pay television. Programming such as that which is designed for children, for caregivers, for preVerDate Nov 24 2008 12:49 Apr 23, 2013 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\80430.TXT JACKIE
33 

schoolers and, of special note, for all the elements of our increasingly diverse population. 

At KCET, I saw how public television comes to grips with these issues, how local, 

as well as national, interests are served. For example, in our state a third of the 

children entering Kindergarten are unprepared. With so many single-parent and 

two-working-parent families, children in the 0–5 age group, during the period of 

their greatest brain development, are often being raised by untrained caregivers. We 

were able to use television to provide these caregivers with tools to improve the 

readiness of the children in their care for Kindergarten. Our success in the first 2 

years of production, when the show was aired only on public television stations in 

California, motivated CPB to award a grant to KCET that allowed the program to 

go national in its third season. The programs, ‘‘A Place of Our Own’’ in English and 

‘‘Los Nin ̃ os en Su Casa’’ in Spanish, are now seen on public television stations 

reaching over 74 percent of the U.S. Television Households. The programs have won 

numerous awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, and the websites 

won the international competition for The Japan Prize, awarded to one website in 

the world by NHK. This is a good example of the synergy between CPB and PBS. 

KCET also just premiered its newest production on PBS, an animated pre-school 

science program, ‘‘Sid the Science Kid,’’ which uses the latest motion capture technology to teach children the wonders of science. The companion website is geared 

to help parents capture the natural curiosity of their children to facilitate scientific 

inquiry in the earliest years. 

As Chair of KCET’s Programming Committee, I have worked to support efforts 

to mount European co-production, which has led to a meaningful relationship with 

BBC on historical documentary, drama, and arts programming, including: ‘‘Copenhagen,’’ ‘‘How Art Made the World,’’ ‘‘Auschwitz and the Making of the Nazi State,’’ 

and ‘‘Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt,’’ which will air in 2009. This relationship is 

deepening, as KCET has been given the assignment to be the exclusive marketing 

and distribution agent for BBC World News for U.S. public television. 

I must add that my belief in the power and accomplishments of public radio is 

equally strong and I look forward to expanding my knowledge of the shape of this 

medium today and its opportunity to grow in the future. 

Please let me comment briefly on the importance of CPB’s Community Service 

Grants. CSGs, as you know, are unrestricted grants to stations. They permit stations to operate—to pay salaries, to turn on the lights and, for public television stations, to help pay PBS dues. And to acquire programming. They are crucial. 

My ‘‘day job’’, as an entertainment lawyer for most of my career, also deals with 

communication and the media. This gives me an additional perspective and insights 

which can be helpful in serving CPB. 

My interest in communications goes back to my college days and now includes 

service on the Board of Councilors, and Co-Chair of the Executive Committee, of the 

USC Annenberg School for Communications. This Board exposes me further to the 

current and future needs and requirements of broadcasting, journalism and the 

media. 

My law practice and my involvement with both the Annenberg School and KCET 

have helped to educate me about new and evolving media and the changing media 

landscape. There may be an even greater future for public broadcasting if it can 

seize the advantages of these new technologies. 

Other community involvements of mine, which range from having served as National President of The American Jewish Committee to membership on the Boards 

of the University of Southern California, the Pacific Council for International Affairs 

and the Herrhausen Institute for International Dialogue of the Deutsche Bank, will 

also help me to contribute more meaningfully to CPB. 

If I am confirmed, my hope is to be part of the team strengthening an evolving 

public broadcasting system and its work in the communities across our country. I 

am committed to do all I can to enhance the already high quality of public broadcasting for our citizens and to work toward even wider diversity of programming, 

be it news, education, information or entertainment—always with the singular purpose of serving the interests of the American public. 

My commitment is passionate and deep. I hope to have the opportunity to serve 

my country and public broadcasting by being confirmed as a member of the Board 

of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

Thank you for the opportunity for making this presentation and I look forward 

to answering any questions which any members of the Committee may have. 

Thank you. 

34 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name (include any former names or nicknames used): Bruce M. Ramer. 

2. Position to which nominated: Board of Directors of Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting. 

3. Date of Nomination: The White House announced the intention to nominate on 

Thursday, May 29, 2008. 

4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses): 

Residence: Information not available to the public. 

Office: 132 South Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. 

5. Date and Place of Birth: August 2, 1933; Teaneck, New Jersey. 

6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including stepchildren and children 

by a previous marriage). 

Spouse: Madeline Smith Ramer, not employed; children: Gregg Ramer, 41 on 

July 12; Marc Ramer, 39; Neal Ramer, 35; Alexandra Lang Susman, 34. 

7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school attended. 

Princeton University (Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs), A.B., 1955. 

Harvard Law School, LLB, 1958. 

8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all management-level 

jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to the position for which you are 

nominated. 

Morrison, Lloyd & Griggs, attorneys, Hackensack, NJ. 

Gang, Tyre, Rudin & Brown (now Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown) Los Angeles, 

CA. 

9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached. 

10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than those listed above, within the last 5 years: None. 

11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, partner, proprietor, 

agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, 

or other business, enterprise, educational, or other institution within the last 5 

years. 

Organization Type Position 

University of Southern California 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Educational Institution Member, Board of Trustees 

University of Southern California 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Educational Institution Chair, Public Affairs Committee 

Alfred Herrhausen Society for International 

Dialogue of the Deutsche Bank 

(Berlin, Germany) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Trustees 

Geffen Playhouse (UCLA) 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Founding Chairman, Board of Directors 

University of Southern California Gould 

School of Law 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Educational Institution Chair, Institute on Entertainment Law And Business 

USC Annenberg School for Communication 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Educational Institution Co-Chair Executive Committee, 

Board of Councilors 

KCET 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Directors 

Pacific Council on International Policy 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Directors 

Council on Foreign Relations 

(New York, NY) 

Nonprofit Member 

Committee on Present Danger 

(New York, NY) 

Nonprofit Member 

American Jewish Committee 

New York, NY 

Nonprofit Chair, Latino and Latin American Institute 

Southern California Committee for Olympic 

Games 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Directors 

35 

Organization Type Position 

Homeland Security Advisory Council, Region 

One 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member 

Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Directors 

USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual 

History and Education 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Councilors 

Righteous Persons Foundation 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Directors 

National Foundation for Jewish Culture 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member, Board of Directors 

American Bar Association 

(Chicago, IL) 

Nonprofit Member 

California Bar Association 

(Sacramento, CA) 

Nonprofit Member 

Los Angeles County Bar Association 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Member 

Beverly Hills Bar Association 

(Beverly Hills, CA) 

Nonprofit Member 

The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation 

(Chicago, IL) 

Nonprofit Member 

132 Rodeo, Inc. 

(Beverly Hills, CA) 

Corporation Director, COB, CFO 

Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc. 

(Beverly Hills, CA) 

Corporation Director, President, CEO 

G.T.R.& B. Charitable Foundation 

(Beverly Hills, CA) 

Nonprofit Director, President 

The CED Company, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP, Asst. Sec. 

The Malpaso Company, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP, Asst. Sec. 

Malpaso Pictures, Ltd. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP; Asst. Sec. 

The Tehama Company, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP; Asst. Sec. 

Somerset Enterprises, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP; Secretary 

Scott Paint Company, Inc. Fka Bruning Paint 

Company 

(Baltimore, MD) 

Corporation Director, Secretary 

Amblin’ Entertainment, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Secretary 

AEJ Services, LLC 

(Los Angeles) 

LLC Secretary 

Amblin’ Television, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Secretary 

Apaquogue Holdings, Inc. 

(East Hampton, NY) 

Corporation Director, Vice President 

Copernicus Investments, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Vice President 

County Wexford, LLC 

(East Hampton, NY) 

LLC Vice President 

Darnit, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP 

Diamond Lane Productions 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Secretary 

DW Subs, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, Secretary 

Ferds, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Director, VP 

Film Properties Management, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, VP 

Global Enterprises I, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Secretary 

36 

Organization Type Position 

Heights Investment Co., Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, Vice President 

Neo Geo, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, Vice President 

No. 2 Hampton Enterprises, Inc. 

(East Hampton, NY) 

Corporation Director, VP; Asst. Sec. 

Nomo Funds, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Vice President 

Our Gang, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Director, Vice President 

Rabbit Ears, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Vice President 

Sassafras, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Vice President 

Topanga Peak, LLC 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

LLC Vice President 

U-Drive Productions, Inc. 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Corporation Secretary 

Whirlybird, LLC 

(East Hampton, NY) 

LLC Secretary 

The Wunderkinder Foundation 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Director 

The Zemeckis Charitable Foundation 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Nonprofit Director 

Bruce M. Ramer Living Trust 

(Los Angeles, CA) 

Family Trust Trustee 

Bajamex, Ltd. 

(Wilmington, DE) 

Corporation Secretary-Treasurer 

In addition to the foregoing, as an attorney: (a) I represent a number of corporations and other business entities formed and owned by clients. These entities are 

privately held. I perform legal services for such entities in the normal course and 

do not render investment advice and (b) I serve as a co-trustee on a number of client-established family trusts in connection with which I have no control over investments, having delegated that power to a co-trustee(s). Should you need any further 

information regarding these items, please let me know. 

12. Please list each membership you have had during the past 10 years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religious organization, private club, or other membership organization. Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or organization restricts membership 

on the basis of sec, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. 

Member, Board of Trustees, University of Southern California, 2003–. Chair, 

Public Affairs Committee, 2005–. 

Member, Board of Trustees, Alfred Herrhausen Society for International Dialogue of the Deutsche Bank. 2004–. 

Founding Chairman and Member, Board of Directors, Geffen Playhouse (UCLA) 

Los Angeles, 1995–. 

Chair, Institute on Entertainment Law and Business, University of Southern 

California Law School, 2002–. Executive Director, Institute on Entertainment 

Law and Business, University of Southern California Law School, 1987–2002. 

Member, Board of Councilors, University of Southern California Law School, 

1986–. 

Co-Chair of the Executive Committee, Board of Councilors, University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication, 2000–. 

Member, Board of Directors, KCET (Channel 28), Public Television, Los Angeles, California, 1992–2004. Chair, 2001–2003. Director, 2005–. 

Member, Board of Directors, Pacific Council on International Policy, 2005–. 

Member, Council on Foreign Relations, 2004–; Member, Committee on Present 

Danger, 2007–. 

Member, Homeland Security Advisory Council, Region One, 2006–. 

National President, American Jewish Committee, 1998 to 2001. Chair, National 

Board of Governors and National Council 1995 to 1998. Chair, Asia & Pacific 

37 

Rim Institute 1990 to 1998. Chair, American Jewish Committee’s Latino and 

Latin American Institute 2004–. (Membership in the American Jewish Committee is restricted to American Jewish citizens and residents.) 

Member, Advisory Board, Hollywood, Health & Society, 2001–2006. 

Member, Board of Directors, Los Angeles Urban League, 1987 to 1993; 1997– 

2002. 

Member, Board of Directors, Southern California Committee for Olympic 

Games, 1998–. 

Member, Board of Directors, UCLA School of Medicine and Medical Center, 

1998 to 2004. 

Member, Board of Directors, Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, 

1994–2006; Member, Board of Councilors, USC Shoah Foundation Institute for 

Visual History and Education, 2006–. 

Member, Board of Directors, Righteous Persons Foundation, 1994–. 

Member, Board of Directors, National Foundation for Jewish Culture, 1999– 

2006. 

Member, Economic Strategy Panel of the State of California, 1997–1999. 

Member, Board of Directors, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, 

1996–2001. 

Member, American Bar Association, Est. 1959–; California Bar Association, and 

Los Angeles County Bar Association, Est. 1963–. Beverly Hills Bar Association, 

1984–. The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, 1996–. Member, American 

Bar Association Special Committee on Judicial Independence, 1997–1999. 

13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office (elected, nonelected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any campaign has any outstanding 

debt, the amount, and whether you are personally liable for that debt: No. 

14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for the 

past 10 years. Also list all offices you have held with, and services rendered to, a 

state or national political party or election committee during the same period. 

Please see the itemized list of all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, political party, political action committee, or similar entity of 

$500 or more for the past 9 years attached hereto as Exhibit A. We are unable to 

locate political contributions, if any, for 1998. 

No offices held or services rendered to a political party or election committee. 

15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and other special recognition for outstanding service or 

achievements. 

American Jewish Committee Learned Hand Award 2005. Survivors of the Shoah 

Visual History Foundation Ambassador for Humanity Award 2002. Medal of Honor 

of The Konrad Adenauer Foundation 2001. The Commanders Cross of The Order of 

Merit of The Federal Republic of Germany 2000. Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Lawyer of the Year Award 1996. National Conference for Community 

and Justice Annual Brotherhood Award 1990. Beverly Hills Bar Association Executive Director’s Award 1988. American Jewish Committee Community Service Award 

1987. 

16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of 

these publications unless otherwise instructed. 

‘‘Closing Argument: Civility? Yes, Civility.’’ Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine, May 

2004, p. 60. 

17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified orally or in writing 

before Congress in a governmental or non-governmental capacity and specify the 

date and subject matter of each testimony. 

(i) Hearing on H.R. 2121—Secret Evidence Repeal Act. House Judiciary Committee, May 23, 2000. Testimony (oral and in writing) on behalf of the American 

Jewish Committee, relating to proposed enactment of H.R. 2121. 

(ii) Hearing on H.R. 2121—Secret Evidence Repeal Act House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims, February 10, 2000, testimony submitted in 

writing on behalf of the American Jewish Committee, relating to proposed enactment of H.R. 2121. 

(iii) Hearing On the Treatment of Israel by the United Nations, House International Relations Committee, July 14, 1999. 

38 

According to the website of the House International Relations Committee, I testified (without indicating whether both orally and in writing or just in writing) before 

that Committee on behalf of the American Jewish Committee, relating to the treatment of Israel by the United Nations. 

18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualified you for appointment to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish 

to serve in that position? 

I have been a supporter of and involved with public broadcasting since 1992, the 

year in which I joined the Board of Directors of KCET (PBS), Public Television for 

Southern California. I served as Chairman of that Board commencing 2001 with my 

term expiring in 2003. I serve currently as the Chair of the Programming Committee of the Board and as a member of both the Audit Committee and the Executive Committee. 

In addition, I have been a practicing attorney in the entertainment, communication and media business for over 40 years. 

I wish to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in order to continue to work for and in support of public broadcasting. I believe that public broadcasting, whether radio or television, is a true and 

essential community asset and provides vital services, information, news, education 

and entertainment to the American public. I wish to do my part to preserve, protect 

and enhance that service. 

19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that the 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

If confirmed, my responsibilities will be those of a director with dedicated fiduciary duties to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, exercising appropriate oversight in seeking to ensure that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting maintains 

proper management and accounting controls. 

My experience in management is principally that involved with the running and 

operation of my law firm. 

20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/ 

agency, and why? 

I believe that the top three challenges facing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are: 

(a) to secure the funding which will enable the Corporation to continue to provide grants and financial assistance in program production and the enhancement of the public broadcasting services; 

(b) to use the assets of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting wisely in providing public broadcasting services to the American people; and 

(c) to maintain and increase viewership of public television and listenership of 

public radio in order to provide the maximum benefits of public broadcasting 

to the widest possible segment of the American population. 

B. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement accounts. 

As a member of Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc., my law firm, I participate in 

a percentage of the net revenues derived from the firm from its practice of law. 

There is no deferred compensation agreement as such, although there is an agreement which provides a formula for payment following retirement in certain circumstances or death. As to retirement accounts, my law firm maintains a 401(k) 

program and I maintain an individual IRA. 

2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, to maintain 

employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, association or other organization during your appointment? If so, please explain. 

Yes. I intend to continue practicing law with my law firm and to maintain my 

affiliations with charitable and community organizations. 

3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

I believe that the only relationships in which I am involved which could involve 

potential conflicts of interest as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are my memberships on the Board of Directors of 

39 

KCET and on the Board of Trustees of the University of Southern California. I will 

recuse myself from participation in any matters that come before the Board of the 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting involving either of these entities, whether respecting grants or otherwise. 

Clients of my law firm are engaged in various aspects of the production of motion 

picture and television and related products, but, with one exception, I do not recall 

any clients who have or contemplate seeking grants or other funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If any should occur I will recuse myself. 

4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated: Please see the answer 

to B.3., above. 

5. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have been engaged 

for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public 

policy. 

Please see the answer to A.17 above. In addition, particularly in my capacity as 

a member, officer or Governor of the American Jewish Committee, I have from time 

to time participated in discussions with Members of the Senate or Members of the 

House or Members of the Administration pertaining to legislation or public policy, 

but in a general way and not as a lobbyist. 

Similarly, I have attended several meetings with Members of the Senate or Members of the House as a Trustee of the University of Southern California, but again 

not as a lobbyist but rather in a general way with respect to legislation or public 

policy. 

6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. 

As noted, I will recuse myself in any situation which apparently or actually presents a potential conflict of interest. 

C. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain: No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer even been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain: Only as a result of my legal practice. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleases of guilty or nolo contendere) 

of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: 

No. 

5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual harassment or 

discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please 

explain: No. 

6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination: 

None. 

D. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by Congressional committees? 

As a director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, I will use my best efforts 

to ensure that the Corporation complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

Congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? 

As a director of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, I will use my best efforts 

to ensure that the Corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

40 

4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

RESUME OF BRUCE M. RAMER

Curriculum Vitae 

Bruce M. Ramer, born Teaneck, New Jersey. 

A.B., Princeton University (Woodrow Wilson of Public and International Affairs); 

LLB, Harvard Law School. 

Lawyer, partner, Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc., 132 South Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90212. 

Member, Board of Trustees, University of Southern California. Chair, Public Affairs Committee, 2005–. Member, Board of Trustees Loyola Marymount University, 

1986–1997. 

Member, Board of Trustees, Alfred Herrhausen Society for International Dialogue 

of the Deutsche Bank. 2004–. 

Founding Chairman and Member, Board of Trustees, Geffen Playhouse (UCLA) 

Los Angeles. Member, Board of Directors of Rebuild L.A. 1992–1996. Member, 

Board of Directors, LA 2000 Partnership 1992–1994. 

Chair, Institute on Entertainment Law and Business, University of Southern 

California Law School. Member, Board of Councilors, University of Southern California Law School. Co-Chair of the Executive Committee, Board of Councilors, University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication. 

Member, Board of Directors, KCET (PBS Channel 28), Los Angeles, California 

(1992–2004). Chair, 2001–2003. Director, 2005–. 

Member, Board of Directors, Pacific Council on International Policy. Member, 

Council on Foreign Relations, 2004–. 

Chair, American Jewish Committee’s Latino and Latin American Institute 

2004–. 

National President, American Jewish Committee, 1998–2001. Chair, National 

Board of Governors and National Council, 1995–1998. Chair, National Executive 

Council, 1992–1995. Chair, National Board of Trustees, AJC, 1989–1992. Chair, 

Asia & Pacific Rim Institute, 1990–1998. National Vice President, AJC, 1982–1988. 

Past President, Los Angeles Chapter, AJC, 1980–1983. Chair, AJC Western Region, 

1984–1986. 

Member, Board of Directors, Los Angeles Urban League, 1987–1993; 1997–2002. 

Member, Board of Directors, Southern California Committee for Olympic Games, 

1998–. 

Past President, Los Angeles Copyright Society; Past President, California Copyright Conference. 

Past President, Princeton Club of Southern California. 

Vice Chair at Large, 1991–1993, and Member, United Way Corporate Board of Directors, 1981–1993. Member, Executive Committee, 1989–1990. Chair, Council of 

Presidents, 1989–1990. Member, Community Issues Council, 1989–1990. Chair, Discretionary Fund Distribution Committee, 1987–1989. 

Member, Board of Directors, UCLA School of Medicine and Medical Center, 1998– 

2004. 

Member, Board of Directors: Key3Media Group (2001–2002); Home Shopping Network, Inc. (1996–1998); QVC, Inc. (1994–1995). 

Member, Board of Governors, California Community Foundation 1988–1998. 

Member, Board of Directors, Los Angeles Children’s Museum, 1986–1989. 

Member, Board of Directors, Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, 

1994–2006; Member, Board of Councilors, USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education, 2006–. 

Member, Board of Directors, Righteous Persons Foundation, 1994–. 

Member, Board of Directors, National Foundation for Jewish Culture, 1999–2006. 

Member, Economic Strategy Panel of the State of California, 1997–1999. 

Member, Board of Directors, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, 

1996–2001. 

Member, American Bar Association, California Bar Association, Los Angeles 

County Bar Association and Beverly Hills Bar Association, The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. Member, American Bar Association Special Committee on Judicial Independence (1997–1999). 

Member, Committee on Present Danger, 2007–. 

American Jewish Committee Learned Hand Award 2005. Survivors of the Shoah 

Visual History Foundation Ambassador for Humanity Award 2002. Medal of Honor 

of The Konrad Adenauer Foundation 2001. The Commanders Cross of The Order of 

41 

Merit of The Federal Republic of Germany 2000. Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Lawyer of the Year Award 1996. National Conference for Community 

and Justice Annual Brotherhood Award 1990. Beverly Hills Bar Association Executive Directors Award 1988. American Jewish Committee Community Service Award 

1987. 

Named among: the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America by The National 

Law Journal (1994 and 1997); the 100 Most Powerful Lawyers in California (California Business Lawyer, 1999 and 2001); the Top 100 Lawyers in California (Daily 

Journal, 2002, 2003 and 2004) . 

Married to Madeline Ramer. Four children: Gregg; Marc; Neal; and Alexandra. 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank you very much, Mr. Ramer. 

And may I now call upon Ms. Loretta Sutliff? I gather you have 

family members here? 

STATEMENT OF LORETTA SUTLIFF, 

MEMBER-DESIGNATE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 

Ms. SUTLIFF. Thank you. Yes, I would love the opportunity to introduce my family. 

My aunt, Joan Sutliff, is here from Bainbridge Island, Washington. Also our daughter, Olivia Kathleen Rice, she’s 7 years old. 

And her father, my husband, John Patrick Rice, from Elko, Nevada, where John also serves on the Elko City Council, I might 

add. 

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, thank you very 

much for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss my 

nomination to the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

I would also like to extend my appreciation to President Bush for 

nominating me to the board and to Senator Reid for selecting me 

for consideration. 

I am a small-town broadcaster with almost 25 years’ experience 

and accountability to my community. The more I understand about 

the mission of public television and radio, the more I realize I am 

uniquely qualified for this position. 

Our town, Elko, Nevada, is located some 160 miles away from 

the closest shopping mall, where our 7-year-old daughter can make 

her own teddy bear. We are surrounded by the fragile beauty of the 

high desert, rugged glacier-carved Ruby Mountains, and an ecosystem rich with wildlife unique to any other spot on the planet. 

I often tell family and friends spread across the country that we 

like to make our own fun. 

I think it is this desert experience that allows the spirit of individualism to take root, endure, and thrive. I also believe the Nation’s public radio and television stations are poised to emerge as 

the beacons of culture, custom, and creative spirit as more of our 

mainstream media options are further franchised and consolidated. 

I work in commercial radio and television in a partnership to 

provide local news and programming. I host a daily radio talk 

show, ‘‘Elko Live,’’ at KELK, which has been on the air for almost 

15 years. I also hosted the morning radio show on our local AM 

station for more than a decade until our daughter, Olivia, started 

kindergarten. 

Channel 10, KENV, is a local NBC television affiliate located on 

the Great Basin College campus under arrangement with Sunbelt 

42 

Communications. My work at Elko Broadcasting Company is a continuation of a family owned tradition of more than 60 years. Our 

radio stations—KELK–AM, KLKO–FM—are deeply committed to 

community service in providing air time and talent to almost every 

charitable or beneficial cause in the region for decades. 

I have been providing weekday newscasts my entire broadcast 

career. As a result, I fully understand the responsibility of balanced 

and accurate reporting and the accessibility and involvement of 

broadcasters in the community. 

At KENV–TV, owned by Sunbelt Communications, I am very 

proud to work with and for some of the most inspiring and energetic people in our community. We craft a half hour of local television news each weekday and Saturday that is available both online and on air. 

I report, edit, produce, and anchor segments using technology 

that didn’t exist when I first picked up a grease pencil and razor 

blade to splice tape on reel-to-reel. My colleagues and I are constantly learning and sharing, mentoring and encouraging, an attitude I recognize in the heart of public broadcasting. 

As broadcasters, we initiated through Great Basin College the 

first broadcast technology program to recruit and train future community broadcasters, producers, and filmmakers. This program is 

in its second year, and we have already seen a diversity of applicants from a local historian—she is already talented in conducting 

interviews—beginning her second career, to a young Shoshone student who shared her culture and viewpoint through newly developed skills in video production and outreach. 

What I hope to convey in this statement is my enthusiasm and 

optimism for the future of broadcasting, especially in areas that I 

can see public radio and television setting the standard and reaching viewers and listeners who are becoming frustrated with the 

loss of local voices and views in their communities. I have both vision and skill to inspire local origination broadcasting. I see that 

service as key to the future of preserving our unique identities, the 

expression and soul of the place we live and the people we are. 

The Public Awareness Initiative is an example of how public 

radio and television station leaders can increase the awareness of 

how public broadcasting enriches and informs daily life, whether 

for listeners in Owyhee, Nevada, a remote Western Shoshone reservation, listening for a road report, or in Sparta, Wisconsin, where 

my mother-in-law, Barbara Rice, tunes in to hear ‘‘what NPR says’’ 

while analyzing national politics. Many PBS viewers have sought 

refuge in ‘‘The News Hour,’’ during this election cycle to make 

sense of the sensations found elsewhere. 

The Story Corps project is one our community is familiar with 

because it is similar to local efforts by the Western Folklife Center 

in Elko, host to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, now celebrating a silver year anniversary, in launching the ‘‘Sheep Camp 

for Stories.’’ A Basque sheep wagon was outfitted to record oral histories during the winter event. Immigrants, grandparents, 

craftspeople, gold miners, sons and daughters of pioneer families 

have contributed their voices to this priceless archive, more valuable to the future than any trust fund. 

43 

While there are challenges and mounting costs in providing 

broadcast signals, especially to distant and rural populations such 

as those found throughout Nevada, I believe an even bigger challenge not measured in money is in recruiting and retaining talented and dedicated future broadcasters who want to serve smalland medium-sized towns covering city council meetings and airing 

local election results, adding and blending local voices, opinions, 

and issues to that of national content. 

I appreciate the Talent Quest mission of inspiring and motivating our replacements. I believe expanded access to local origination in communities and on campuses will foster even more talent 

waiting to be discovered. 

I would be sorely remiss if I did not also applaud PBS for its 

work in continuing the quality children’s educational programming 

I grew up with and now enjoyed by our daughter. From the mainstay ‘‘Sesame Street,’’ with its ageless yet contemporary characters, 

to new and vibrant programs such as ‘‘Between the Lions’’ and 

‘‘Maya and Miguel,’’ these are among children’s programming on 

PBS that I know our daughter can watch. 

I understand well the mission of the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting, and I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

Thank you for considering me, and I would be happy to answer 

any questions. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Sutliff follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF LORETTA SUTLIFF, MEMBER-DESIGNATE, 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss my nomination to the board of the 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I would also like to extend my appreciation to 

President Bush for nominating me to the board and to Senator Reid for selecting 

me for consideration. 

I am a small town broadcaster with almost twenty-five years’ experience and accountability to my community. The more I understand about the mission of public 

television and radio, the more I realize I am uniquely qualified for this position. 

Our town, Elko, Nevada, is located some 160 miles away from the closest shopping mall where our 7-year-old daughter can make her own teddy bear. We are surrounded by the fragile beauty of the high desert, rugged glacier-carved Ruby Mountains and an ecosystem rich with wildlife unique to any other spot on the planet. 

I often tell family and friends spread across the country that we like to ‘‘make our 

own fun.’’ 

I think it is this desert experience that allows the spirit of individualism to take 

root, endure and thrive. I also believe the Nation’s public radio and television stations are poised to emerge as the beacons of culture, custom and creative spirit as 

more of our mainstream media options are further franchised and consolidated. 

I work in commercial radio and television in a partnership to provide local news 

and programming. I host a daily radio talk show, ‘‘Elko, Live’’ at KELK which has 

been on the air for almost 15 years. I also hosted the morning radio show on our 

local AM station for more than a decade until our daughter, Olivia, started kindergarten. Channel 10 KENV is a local NBC television affiliate located on the Great 

Basin College campus under arrangement with Sunbelt Communications. 

My work at Elko Broadcasting Company is a continuation of a family-owned tradition of more than 60 years. Our radio stations KELK AM/KLKO FM, are deeply 

committed to community service in providing airtime and talent to almost every 

charitable or beneficial cause in the region for decades. I’ve been providing weekday 

newscasts my entire broadcast career. As a result, I fully understand the responsibility of balanced and accurate reporting and the accessibility and involvement of 

broadcasters in the community. 

44 

At KENV TV, owned by Sunbelt Communications, I’m very proud to work with 

and for some of the most inspiring and energetic people I n our community. We craft 

a half-hour of local television news each weekday and Saturday that is available 

both online and on air. I report, edit, produce and anchor segments using technology 

that didn’t exist when I first picked up a grease pencil and razor blade to splice tape 

on reel-to-reel. My colleagues and I are constantly learning and sharing, mentoring 

and encouraging, an attitude I recognize I n the heart of public broadcasting. 

As broadcasters we initiated through Great Basin College, the first Broadcast 

Technology Program to recruit and train future community broadcasters, producers 

and filmmakers. This program is in its’ second year and we have already seen a 

diversity of applicants, from a local historian, already talented in conducting interviews, beginning her second career; to a young Shoshone student who shared her 

culture and viewpoint through newly-developed skills in video production and outreach. 

What I hope to convey in this statement is my enthusiasm and optimism for the 

future of broadcasting, especially in areas that I can see public radio and television 

setting the standard and reaching viewers and listeners who are becoming frustrated with the loss of local voices and views in their communities. I have both vision and skill to inspire local origination broadcasting and see that service as key 

to the future of preserving our unique identities; the expression and soul of the 

place we live and the people we are. 

The Public Awareness Initiative is an example of how public radio and television 

station leaders can increase the awareness of how public broadcasting enriches and 

informs daily life, whether for listeners in Owyhee, Nevada, a remote Western Shoshone reservation listening for a road report, or in Sparta, Wisconsin where my 

mother-in-law Barbara Rice tunes in to hear, ‘‘what NPR says,’’ while analyzing national politics. Many PBS viewers have sought refuge in ‘‘The News Hour,’’ during 

this election cycle to make sense of the sensation found elsewhere. 

The ‘‘Story Corps’’ project is one our community is familiar with. It is similar to 

a local effort by the Western Folklife Center in Elko, host to the National Cowboy 

Poetry Gathering now celebrating a Silver Year, in launching the ‘‘Sheep Camp for 

Stories.’’ A Basque sheep-wagon was outfitted to record oral histories during the 

winter event. Immigrants, grandparents, craftspeople, gold miners and sons and 

daughters of pioneer families have contributed their voices to this priceless archive, 

more valuable to the future than any trust fund. 

While there are challenges and mounting costs in providing broadcast signals, especially to distant and rural populations such as those found throughout Nevada, 

I believe an even bigger challenge not measured in money is in recruiting and retaining talented and dedicated future broadcasters who want to serve small- and 

medium-sized towns, covering city council meetings and airing local election results, 

adding and blending local voices, opinions and issues to that of national content. 

I appreciate the Talent Quest mission of inspiring and motivating our replacements. I believe expanded access to local origination in communities and on campuses will foster even more talent waiting to be discovered. 

I would be sorely remiss if I did not also applaud PBS for its work in continuing 

the quality children’s educational programming I grew up with, and now enjoyed by 

our daughter. From the mainstay, ‘‘Sesame Street,’’ with its ageless yet contemporary characters, to new and vibrant programs such as ‘‘Between the Lions’’ and 

‘‘Maya and Miguel.’’ These are among children’s programming on PBS, that I know 

our daughter can watch. 

I understand well the mission of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and I 

would be honored to serve on the board of directors for the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting. Thank you for considering me and I would be happy to answer any 

questions. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (include any former name or nicknames used): Lori Gilbert (aka Loretta 

Cheryl Sutliff) 

2. Position to which nominated: Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting. 

3. Date of Nomination: May 29, 2008. 

4. Address: 

Residence: Information not available to the public. 

Office: KENV, 1500 College Parkway, Elko, Nevada 89801; KELK/KLKO, 1800 

Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada 89801. 

45 

5. Date and Place of Birth: August 1, 1963; Hill AFB, Ogden, Utah. 

6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including stepchildren and children 

by a previous marriage). 

John Patrick Rice, PhD, Director of Institutional Advancement, Great Basin 

College, Elko, Nevada; children: Olivia Kathleen Rice, age 7, second grade student, Northside Elementary, Elko, Nevada. 

7. List all colleges and graduate degrees. Provide year and school attended. 

Great Basin College, Elko, Nevada, continuing education 

8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all management-level 

jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to the position for which you are 

nominated. 

KENV TV (Sunbelt Communication), News Director (06/1997 to present). 

KELK/KLKO Radio (Elko Broadcasting), News Director (10/1986 to present). 

9. Attach a copy of your resume. A copy is attached. 

10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than those listed above, within the last 5 years: None. 

11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, partner, proprietor, 

agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, 

or other business, enterprise, educational, or other institution within the last 5 

years: None. 

12. Please list each membership you have had during the past 10 years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religious organization, private club, or other membership organization. Include dates of membership and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or organization restricts membership 

on the basis of sec, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. 

Boys and Girls Club of Nevada, Board Member (2004 to present). 

Associated Press of California & Nevada, Board Member (1995 to 2000). 

Nevada Women’s Fund, member (2007 to present). 

13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held public office (elected, nonelected, or appointed)? None. 

14. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for the 

past 10 years. Also list all offices you have held with, and services rendered to, a 

state or national political party or election committee during the same period: None. 

15. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and other special recognition for outstanding service or 

achievements. 

Heart of Hospice Award, Horizon Hospice, Elko, Nevada, 2008. 

Associated Press, Mark Twain Award, 2001 and 2003. 

Associated Press, News Station of the Year, 2000. 

Elko Area Chamber of Commerce Advocate Award, 1997. 

Various Associated Press Awards and Citations for outstanding service, 1986 to 

present. 

16. Please list each book, article, column, or publication you have authored, individually or with others. Also list any speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of 

these publications unless otherwise instructed: Not Applicable. 

17. Please identify each instance in which you have testified orally or in writing 

before Congress in a governmental or non-governmental capacity and specify the 

date and subject matter of each testimony: None. 

18. Given the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to which you have been nominated and why do you wish to serve in that 

position? 

Given the Corporation for Public Broadcasting mission of providing universal access to high quality programming and services, I believe my long career as a rural 

journalist and broadcaster gives me a unique ability to accomplish a number of 

46 

tasks, communicate with a variety of interests and has developed a sense of service, 

especially to remote populations. I understand how important it is to provide local 

news, information and programming. 

19. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that the 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

While I don’t have particular experience managing a corporation or overseeing a 

large budget, I am prudent with the resources made available to me as an employee 

of a family-owned business, Elko Broadcasting Company, KELK and KLKO Radio 

Stations. I also work within the constraints of a corporate budget as provided by 

Sunbelt Communications, owner of KENV TV. 

20. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/ 

agency, and why? 

a. As a nominee for this position, I have not talked directly to any staff or agency person. In my own experience with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 

mostly as a consumer, 1 realize there are challenges with the delivery of programming and the funding required to maintain systems that meet FCC and 

market technology demands. 

b. A second challenge, from my perspective as a nominee, is to continue to serve 

the underserved, particularly children and minorities, with local content. In my 

experience as a rural broadcaster, I see less local programming and content 

being made available to consumers, with a dwindling reserve of talented journalists and broadcasters being encouraged to pursue careers within their communities. 

c. A third perceived challenge; balancing content and delivery through technology that is both informative and appealing to future generations of listeners 

and viewers. I am fortunate to work with exciting and talented young people 

and believe we should rely on the upcoming generation to help shape current 

and future content and explore the scope of delivery of news and information 

services. 

B. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continued dealings with business associates, clients or customers. Please include information related to retirement accounts. 

I have a managed 401K account through Sunbelt Communications. Our daughter, 

a 529 College Plan, through Great Basin Bank. My husband has a 403B administered through the State of Nevada and VALIC. 

2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal, to maintain 

employment, affiliation, or practice with any business, association or other organization during your appointment? If so, please explain. 

I will continue my full-time employment as News Director with Elko Broadcasting 

Company and Sunbelt Communications working in radio and television news in my 

community. If appointed to this position, I have been asked by the local newspaper, 

the Elko Daily Free Press, to submit an article detailing the appointment and offering insight as to the role of the CPB in rural communities. There would be no compensation for this. 

3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

I am employed by commercial broadcast station owners who have been openly 

supportive of Public Broadcasting and our relationships to service in our communities. I do not anticipate anything but future support from both Elko Broadcasting 

Company and Sunbelt Communications if I were to be appointed to this position. 

4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated: None 

5. Describe any activity during the last 10 years in which you have been engaged 

for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public 

policy: None. 

6. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. 

I am already in the practice of avoiding financial conflict of interest. As a working 

broadcaster, I do not accept gifts or any consideration valued at more than $25. If 

47 

I were to be appointed to this position and were approached by any interest asking 

for consideration in exchange for compensation, I would report the incident to the 

appropriate ethics body. 

C. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain: No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal, State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer even been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain: No. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleases of guilty or nolo contendere) 

of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain: 

No. 

5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual harassment or 

discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please 

explain: No. 

6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination. 

I have no past or present legal involvements or professional breaches of conduct. 

1 am very accountable to my community and to the individuals and their families 

represented in our news coverage. 

D. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? 

Yes, I believe I have demonstrated my ability to meet deadlines as a requirement 

of my profession. I meet deadlines each day. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for testimony and disclosures? 

Yes, I believe my experience as a veteran broadcaster and news reporter has prepared me to protect individuals who provide information, if necessary. If appointed 

to this position, I would be vigilant in this role. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may reasonably be requested to do so? Yes. 

RESUME OF LORETTA SUTLIFF

CPB Board Nominee 

Loretta Sutliff began her work in broadcasting in 1983. Working under the broadcast name of ‘‘Lori Gilbert,’’ she has specialized in providing broadcast news in rural 

communities, with most of her career being spent as the news director for Elko 

Broadcasting Company’s KELK and KLKO in Elko, Nevada. The Associated Press 

Television and Radio Association acknowledged her news department as the ‘‘News 

Station of the Year’’ in 1999. Her daily half-hour community news program, ‘‘Elko 

Live,’’ has provided listeners throughout northeastern Nevada with first-person 

news accounts of local, regional and national issues and events for nearly fifteen 

years. 

In 1997 she broadened her reach and her responsibilities as the founding news 

director and anchor of KENV News 10 in Elko. The KENV television news department, under her direction, produces news shows 6 days each week. She also produces and anchors a thirty minute weekly news program, featuring in-depth discussions with community leaders on topics of current interest. News 10 regularly produces live community forums, including political debates between local, regional and 

state wide candidates. Her style of journalism holds local leadership accountable for 

their actions in ways no other media in the region requires, providing citizens with 

valuable information and insight for formulating opinions about the direction of 

their community. She continues to work on the air in both radio and television 

48 

broadcasting, and is consistently recognized by news organizations for her outstanding contributions to broadcast journalism. 

She studied communications at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. She has 

served as an adjunct instructor of journalism at Great Basin College in Elko, as well 

as a member of the advisory committee to the community’s public television and 

public radio signals, helping to bring public broadcasting service to viewers and listeners in some of the most remote reaches of rural Nevada. She was a member of 

the board of directors of the Associated Press Television and Radio Association of 

California and Nevada, and advised association members on rural news gathering 

and communications. She was recently inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall 

of Fame. For the last 3 years she has served on the executive board of Boys and 

Girls Club of Elko, and is a past member of the board of directors of the Elko County Family Resource Center and the Elko County Juvenile Advisory Board. She is 

a regular host at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held each winter in Elko. 

She is married to Dr. John Patrick Rice, an Administrative Officer at Great Basin 

College. They have a daughter, Olivia, an elementary school student. 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank you very much, Ms. Sutliff. 

Senator Stevens? 

Senator Pryor? 

I would like to advise the panel here that one of the members 

has submitted several questions, and we would like to submit them 

to you, and may I suggest that you respond to them as soon as possible so that we can carry out this process before we adjourn? 

We are trying our best to fulfill our responsibilities here. But as 

you know, we may be out of Washington in 2 weeks. So I would 

expect all of you to do your part. 

I have a couple of questions to all of you. As you know, since its 

creation, CPB has participated in programs, radio and television, 

that appeal to minority audiences, diverse audiences. And we have 

this consortia now, National Minority Consortia. Just want to 

know, do you support this? 

Ms. Halpern? 

Ms. HALPERN. Forgive me. Thank you. 

As the Chairman of the CPB Board, I did take my colleagues to 

meet with both the Pacific Islanders, when we did visit Hawaii, as 

well as the Native American consortia leadership, when we were 

out at the Hopi reservation in Arizona. 

We are currently reviewing how to, in fact, engage more effectively with the consortia. And after the review is concluded, I know 

that the CPB staff will come and brief the Committee staff as well. 

But there is an absolute commitment by the current CPB Board, 

myself, if renominated, and I am assuming the new nominees as 

well, to be all we can be to every underserved or unserved audience 

as legislated. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Ramer? 

Mr. RAMER. Mr. Chairman, the short answer is, yes, absolutely. 

I noted in my opening statement a reference to the need of public 

broadcasting to serve all the elements of an increasingly diverse 

population, and I think that is an essential part of what public 

broadcasting does, and I support the minority consortia. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Ms. Sembler? 

Ms. SEMBLER. I would agree. I do support it, and I believe that 

the mission—one of the missions of public broadcasting is education, and I would certainly like to see national programming that 

is reflective of what the consortia is doing. 

49 

The CHAIRMAN. Ms. Sutliff? 

Ms. SUTLIFF. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I, too, believe wholeheartedly in this minority consortium, and 

especially coming from rural Nevada, we know what it feels like to 

be a minority population. And we have important cultures to be 

represented within our communities as well. So, thank you, and 

again speaking as a nominee. 

The CHAIRMAN. Senator Pryor? 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Yes, Mr. Chairman, thank you. 

I think, in a new sense of transparency, especially in the last 3 

years for the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 

Board and its staff, there is, in fact, a new sense of transparency 

which does result, Mr. Chairman, in your finding and the Committee’s staff finding that a great portion of our discussions in our 

Board meeting has been dedicated to the concept that public broadcasting, radio and television, must be totally open to every group 

and every portion of this country, regardless of race, color, creed, 

geographic region, et cetera. 

And therefore, I feel truly a bursting new commitment to fulfilling of this sense of fairness throughout our country, and I hope 

that our Committee staff members on the Commerce Committee 

and also would avail themselves of looking sort of into the record 

to see how much time and commitment we are having at this moment to making this become definitely a reality. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank you very much. 

I have just one more question. As you know, on February 17 next 

year, we will switch from analog to digital signals. Do you believe 

that all public broadcasting stations, radio and TV, are ready for 

this? 

Ms. Halpern? 

Ms. HALPERN. In this regard, I especially want to say thank you 

to the Senate—actually, to Congress—for providing the additional 

sources of funding to allow for the transition for the public broadcasting system to digital. To date, there are but 15 stations that 

are in the process of yet converting to digital. 

But more importantly, I need to applaud the public broadcasting 

family for the manner in which they are engaging with their audiences, their listeners and their viewers. They are effectively delivering messages regarding the converter boxes, how to access, how 

to become more comfortable with what will be forthcoming in February 2009. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Pryor, Senator Pryor, do you think we are 

ready? 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Mr. Chairman, with all due respect, I 

think we are getting ready. And I think by February, we will be 

there. And I think this is an exciting moment. It is an exciting 

transition and development in the broadcast industry. Once again, 

it will serve more and more Americans more fairly and, I think, 

even more efficiently. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, yes. 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank you. 

Senator Stevens? 

50 

Senator STEVENS. I wonder what role the Board has in terms of 

looking at broad issues and whether they should be sort of headlined by the stations involved that you oversee. For instance, and 

it is provincial, the Chairman and I represent two new states. We 

will celebrate our 50th anniversary, each of us, on January 3 of 

next year. Alaska and Hawaii will have been a state for 50 years. 

As a matter of fact, it took 45 years for us to get statehood once 

we started that. I think Hawaii just slightly longer. But I just wonder, does your board go into and look at events ahead and ask the 

stations to recognize these events, or is this something that you 

don’t get involved in? 

Yes, anyone? I don’t care. 

Ms. HALPERN. Senator—— 

The CHAIRMAN. If you want his vote, you better give the right answer. 

Ms. HALPERN.—the CPB board is not allowed by law to get involved with programming. But I would hope that the stations in 

Alaska, as well as in Hawaii, given their responsibilities as local 

public broadcasters, would certainly be celebrating the anniversary 

of statehood. 

When we visited Alaska and we went, in fact, up to Bethel, we 

were able to, as a board, listen to the type of programming that the 

stations provide, and the special connection, the life system that, 

for example, ‘‘Tundra Drums’’ provides in Bethel to those of the 

Inuit communities who become completely isolated when that tundra thaws is remarkable, unique, and so very special. So I cannot 

but imagine that they will do everything. 

Senator STEVENS. Oh, I am sure they will in our state. I am talking about nationally. You don’t have anything to do with that, 

right? 

Ms. HALPERN. That we do not, sir. 

Senator STEVENS. Thank you very much. 

The CHAIRMAN. With that, I would like to once again request 

that you respond to the questions that the Committee will submit 

to you, and the sooner we do this, we can expedite the process. 

Once again, thank you very much for your appearance here. And 

Senator Pryor, give my regards to Arkansas. 

Senator DAVID PRYOR. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you 

very much. 

The CHAIRMAN. And with that, we will try to speed up the process. Thank you very much. 

[Whereupon, at 11:23 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.] 

(51) 

A P P E N D I X 

RESPONSE TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY HON. BYRON L. DORGAN TO

ALL CPB NOMINEES

Question 1. Public television offers some of the last locally-owned and controlled 

media in this country. Subsequently, its role in the marketplace of media is becoming increasingly important as we search for diverse opinions and voices. In fact, a 

2003 study by the McGannon Center found that over a 2-week period, commercial 

broadcasters aired, on average, only 45 minutes of local public affairs programming 

per week, in contrast to the 3.5 hours aired by public broadcasters. How important 

do you see the role of public broadcasters as leaders in local programming? 

Ms. HALPERN. I believe public broadcasting is a national treasure, and an invaluable community connector. In most communities, the public broadcasting station is 

the last locally-owned media operation and the only vehicle for significant discourse 

on local issues. If confirmed for a second term, I want to make sure that we protect 

and enhance the opportunities for public broadcasting entities across our country to 

provide this valuable connection through local programming. 

Ms. GILBERT. This is an extremely important issue to me. I believe public radio 

and television broadcasters will have an even greater role in providing local news 

and programming in the near future as competition and costs continue to squeeze 

commercial interests. I believe public broadcasting may soon be one of the only outlets to provide continued free access and information throughout the country. 

Mr. RAMER. I believe that public broadcasting is basically the last bastion of local 

broadcasting. For example, in my City of Los Angeles, KCET is the only ‘‘local’’ television station. In my opinion, while there are many reasons why public broadcasting 

is an essential for our Nation and a healthy democracy, having local stations is one 

of the most important reasons. 

Ms. SEMBLER. My 15 years of service at WEDU, the Tampa Bay area’s public television station, has taught me the importance of localism. It is only our station that 

offers a weekly public affairs program, Florida This Week, in prime time on Friday 

evenings; only our station that produces and broadcasts two interview shows, one 

spotlighting local community leaders, the other, local business leaders; and our station alone that, through the generous funding of a community foundation, presents 

A Gulf Coast Journal with Jack Perkins, a show that highlights the people and 

places of Sarasota and west central Florida. Additionally, WEDU has provided our 

viewers with many special broadcasts about aspects of our local community, including shows that focused on the African-American community of St. Petersburg, FL, 

the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL and the Mote Marine Laboratory, also in 

Sarasota, to name but a few. WEDU also produces local offerings to dovetail with 

PBS programming (such as our local follow-up to The War series by Ken Burns, and 

our local ‘‘town hall’’ forum in response to Judy Woodruff s production Generation 

Next). 

WEDU is not alone. All across America, public television stations follow a similar 

formula to provide a perfect mix of local and PBS programming. It is what makes 

public television unique and, in my opinion, superior to all other television available. 

Additionally, and perhaps even more significantly, WEDU and public TV stations 

across the country reach out into the local community with our signature literacy 

program, Ready To Learn. 

Public television is truly THE leader in local programming. It is critically important for public broadcasters to continue in this role in our local communities. 

Question 2. The Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serves a very 

important role and while it is not supposed to interfere with content, as we saw in 

2005, the CPB Board has tried in the past. You will recall that in 2005, then-Chairman Kenneth Tomlinson tried to influence public broadcasting programming and 

hired a consultant to track the political leanings of the guests on Bill Moyers’ show 

‘‘Now.’’ What is your opinion of Tomlinson’s actions? 

52 

Ms. HALPERN. In 2005; as part of the arrangement which terminated Mr. Tomlinson’s association with CPB, the Board of Directors signed an agreement which prevent us even today from publicly commenting on his tenure as CPB Board Chairman. Regardless of the former Chairman’s actions, CPB has not since hired a consultant for any such purpose and, in fact, I would oppose any such a hire as a member of the CPB Board of Directors. 

Ms. GILBERT. As a nominee to the CPB, I have no firsthand information of the 

controversy surrounding the previous Chairman. I would not care to comment on 

specifics except to say, I intend that the past issues and controversy will inform better decisions and actions by the Board in the future. 

Mr. RAMER. Attempts on the part of CPB, its management or its Board, to interfere with or influence the content of public broadcasting is inappropriate and flies 

in the face of the statutory imperatives. 

Ms. SEMBLER. It is important to me, whenever I serve on a Board, to follow the 

guidelines and by-laws of the organization. I have learned over the course of this 

nomination process that CPB’s statute prohibits CPB from interfering with local station operation or controlling editorial content or programming. I am in agreement 

with this prohibition, and if confirmed, I will work to ensure that CPB complies 

fully with the directives of the Public Broadcasting Act. 

Question 3. Does public broadcasting accurately reflect the diversity and variety 

of ideological views of Americans? Do you believe public broadcasting stations 

present balanced news coverage on local, national and international affairs? 

Ms. HALPERN. Across the entire programming schedule, and especially in news 

and current affairs programming, I believe public broadcasting offers the most balanced news coverage of any news outlet in America. Programs like The Newshour 

with Jim Lehrer offer a variety of opinions on almost every issue discussed every 

night, representing a diversity and variety of views reflective of Americans across 

our country. 

Ms. GILBERT. As a nominee to the CPB, my comments are those of a consumer. 

I sincerely appreciate the educational, cultural and historical aspects of public television. I watch The NewsHour on PBS to get more accurate, less sensational views 

of national and international issues, especially after feeling there is too much opinion injected in commercial broadcasts. It’s possible that NPR could do more to reflect 

regional and local issues in radio markets although I believe that opinion should be 

supported by community and management perspective. 

Mr. RAMER. I also believe that public broadcasting news programs—both television and radio—seek to present balanced and objective news locally, nationally 

and internationally and certainly succeed far beyond that of commercial sources. 

Ms. SEMBLER. Yes, I believe that public broadcasting offers a variety of balanced 

news and current affairs programming, both nationally and at the local level. At 

WEDU in Tampa, we offer the public affairs program that I mentioned above, Florida This Week. On this program, along with a moderator, the producers always include four individual commentators who represent the varied parts of the political 

and community spectrum. Each week, white, African-American, and Latino leaders 

and thinkers articulate viewpoints that are conservative, liberal, and points in between. I am proud that WEDU works hard to create programming such as this that 

is balanced, fair and representational of the community it serves. 

I believe that national programming reflects this as well and strives to present 

balanced news coverage on national and international affairs. Programs such as The 

NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and Washington Week, for example, are well-respected 

for their balance. 

RESPONSE TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY HON. BYRON L. DORGAN TO

CHERYL FELDMAN HALPERN

Question 1. In 2003, when you testified before the Senate Commerce Committee, 

Senator Lott said journalist Bill Moyers’s post-election commentary was: ‘‘the most 

blatantly partisan, irresponsible thing I’ve ever heard in my life,’’ and said, yet the 

CPB ‘‘has not seemed to be willing to deal with Bill Moyers and that type of programming.’’ You responded: ‘‘The fact of the matter is, I agree with you.’’ And you 

said, referring to your time with the Broadcasting Board of Governors, ‘‘when there 

were allegations of impropriety and violation of the journalistic code of ethics, we 

were able to aggressively step in, review the transcript . . . and initiate penalties 

and change accordingly.’’ This was prior to Tomlinson’s attempt to address the programming of Bill Moyers. You acknowledged that the CPB cannot do this, yet you 

said to Senator Lott: ‘‘so I’m as frustrated as you.’’ Can you tell me how you differ 

from Kenneth Tomlinson in your views? 

53 

Answer. Unlike the former Chairman, if confirmed for a second term, I will keep, 

and have kept, my personal opinions about the programs on public broadcasting 

separate from the discharge of my duties as a CPB Board member. Foremost 

amongst these duties is to, in the words of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, ‘‘assure the maximum freedom of the public telecommunications entities and systems 

from interference with, or control of, program content or other activities.’’ 

Question 2. If you disagreed with Tomlinson’s actions, why did I not hear you 

speak out in 2005, or preferably earlier to prevent them from occurring? 

Answer. In 2004 and 2005, Chairman Tomlinson acted as an executive Chairman 

of the Board and, as many media reports acknowledged at the time, many of his 

actions took place without the knowledge of the Board. Again, in 2005, as part of 

the arrangement which terminated Mr. Tomlinson’s association with CPB, the 

Board of Directors signed an agreement which prevent us from publicly commenting 

on his tenure as CPB Board Chairman. 

Question 3. Do you believe that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting should 

assess purported political bias in public broadcasting content through the use of internal or external content analysis? 

Answer. No. CPB should not assess purported political bias in public broadcasting 

content. However, we are charged with complying with the mandate of the Public 

Broadcasting Act, which requires the CPB’s Board of Directors to establish a ‘‘comprehensive policy and set of procedures,’’ that, among other things, provide for regular review of national public broadcasting programming for objectivity and balance. 

In the 2005 report from CPB’s Inspector General, he recommended that the CPB 

Board establish formal policies and procedures for conducting regular reviews of national programming for objectivity and balance. 

In beginning to address the IG’s recommendation, CPB and the Board consulted 

with the deans of the Nation’s top schools of journalism, the Project for Excellence 

in Journalism, public broadcasters including National Public Radio (NPR) and the 

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), relevant interest groups and others. 

Frankly, these discussions produced no clear consensus, with some stating the 

language of the Congressional mandate is either unclear or archaic according to the 

standards of modern journalism, and others urging CPB to focus instead on its 

‘‘most important’’ role of insulating public broadcasters from outside pressures and 

protecting their independence. 

The Board subsequently requested that CPB management obtain research based 

on insights from the journalism community that could better inform our efforts to 

address the Public Broadcasting Act’s requirements. 

Accordingly, in the winter of 2007, CPB issued seven requests for proposal (RFPs) 

for white papers, the topics for which are: (1) Objectivity and Balance: Conceptual 

and Practical History in American Journalism; (2) Objectivity and Balance: Today’s 

Best practices in American Journalism; (3) Objectivity and Balance: How do Readers 

and Viewers of News and Information Reach conclusions regarding Objectivity and 

Balance?; (4) Journalism When Government Supports the Enterprise; (5) Concepts 

in Tension: the Challenge of ensuring Both Objectivity and Balance and Editorial 

Independence; (6) Best Practices in Assessing Objectivity and Balance; and (7) Expectations for Objectivity and Balance in Multi-Platform Distribution—Traditional 

and New Media. 

At the end of July, four white papers were submitted to CPB: ‘‘Objectivity and 

Balance: Conceptual and Practical History in American Journalism’’; ‘‘Objectivity 

and Balance: Today’s Best practices in American Journalism’’; ‘‘Objectivity and Balance: How do Readers and Viewers of News and Information Reach conclusions regarding Objectivity and Balance’’; and ‘‘Concepts in Tension: the Challenge of ensuring Both Objectivity and Balance and Editorial Independence.’’ 

In early August, the authors of three of the papers participated in a workshop 

at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference 

in Chicago. 

This resulted in offers of assistance from several independent journalism entities 

to help us as well as a proposal for the White Paper on ‘‘Expectations for Objectivity 

and Balance in Multi-Platform Distribution—Traditional and New Media.’’ 

Going forward, CPB will be integrating the findings of the white papers; Arranging for the white papers to be formally presented at national journalism conferences 

in 2009; working with at least two independent journalism entities on our further 

research needs as well as the development of a web-based training initiative on journalism and ethics which will include a module on balance, objectivity, fairness, accuracy and transparency directed toward professionals, academics and lay persons 

alike; and sponsoring a national symposium on the impact of digital media on journalism. At the same time, CPB will also continue to work with stakeholders in the 

54 

public broadcasting system on the issue of editorial independence as well as on objectivity and balance. 

We will make sure to keep you and your staff abreast of our efforts to meet our 

statutory ‘‘objectivity and balance’’ mandate. 

Question 4. What level of autonomy do you believe should be given to news programming decisions made by public broadcasters? 

Answer. I believe they should be given complete autonomy. 

Question 5. Have you taken any action during your tenure on the Corporation for 

Public Broadcasting to influence the direction or outcome of programming? 

Answer. No, I have not. 

Question 6. Were you calling for more Board transparency and checks and balances on the Board before the Tomlinson actions and before the Inspector General’s 

report was issued? 

Answer. It was not until after I assumed the Chairmanship of the CPB Board of 

Directors that we initiated a top-to-bottom review of CPB’s operations and procedures. Never before had our organization undertaken such a major examination of 

every task, operation and practice. During this time, we made significant revisions 

to our governance procedures, established more clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the Board Chari and for the CPB President and CEO, improving accountability and transparency in the operations of the our organization. 

I am very proud of our work, and I believe we addressed and continue to address 

many of the issues identified in the 2005 report of the Inspector General, and in 

so doing, we have created an atmosphere of transparency, integrity, ethical values 

and clear assignments of authority and responsibility for the CPB board and staff. 

RESPONSE TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY HON. BYRON L. DORGAN TO

BRUCE M. RAMER

Question 1. Former Chairman Kenneth Tomlinson believed that programming created by public broadcasting was partisan and biased. Do you share these views? If 

yes, do you believe, as the former Chairman did, that the Board should be able to 

take corrective action? 

Answer. I do not believe that public broadcasting is partisan or biased. 

Question 2. Do you plan to attempt to influence the direction or outcome of public 

broadcasting programming? 

Answer. No. 

Question 3. What do you think of the value or depth of news and information on 

public broadcasting as compared to other news sources? 

Answer. Based upon my knowledge of what is broadcast by public broadcasting 

and by commercial broadcasters, I believe that there is more depth of the news and 

information on the public system than on commercial broadcasting. 

RESPONSE TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY HON. BYRON L. DORGAN TO

ELIZABETH SEMBLER

Question 1. Based on your experience with public broadcasting in Tampa and with 

the Association for Public Television Stations (APTS), what are the greatest challenges public broadcasting faces in the near future? 

Answer. In my opening statement, I identified three areas that I believe present 

the greatest challenges for public broadcasting in the near future: 

A. The February 17, 2009 analog shut-off for television broadcasts. Of the estimated 25 million Americans who receive their television programming over the 

air (and who will need to do the most to transition to digital reception), a significant number are supporters and viewers of public television. Public broadcasters must work hard with commercial broadcasters and the Congress to ensure the success of the transition and ensure that the audience for public television can find its programming. 

B. Competition in a multi-channel, multi-platform universe. It is imperative 

that public broadcasting is on the cutting edge of media technology to reach 

viewers and listeners on the media outlets they choose to use. 

C. Funding. This continues to be a great challenge for public broadcasting, and 

the Federal Government’s role is even more important now as we head into the 

digital age. While Federal funding of public broadcasting may only represent 15 

percent of total revenue, this 15 percent is essential in garnering support from 

55 

other sources. While CPB have lately received modest increases for our advanced Federal funding, this has hardly kept pace with inflation. 

Question 2. Do you believe the Corporation for Public Broadcasting should be 

granted more authority to address claims of bias? 

Answer. No. While I do believe that the public certainly has the right to respond 

to and comment on public broadcasting, I am not convinced that the CPB itself 

should address claims of bias. Suffice it to say, I am comfortable with the parameters that now define the CPB’s role in this area, and do not think it is wise to 

change them. 

Question 3. Are you committed to transparency on the Corporation for Public 

Broadcasting and how can the CPB’s transparency be improved? 

Answer. Yes, and if confirmed I will work to ensure transparency remains at the 

forefront of all of CPB’s operations. CPB is a federally-funded and thus public institution; the public has the right to know about its workings. 

RESPONSE TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY HON. BYRON L. DORGAN TO

LORETTA SUTLIFF

Question 1. What are your views, regarding the importance of localism to the future of public broadcasting? 

Answer. I feel very strongly that if public broadcasting does not strengthen the 

current commitment to providing local news and programming, future generations 

will be forced to subscribe to or ‘‘purchase’’ only franchised information. Local news 

coverage is also very important to the balance of government and law enforcement 

in any community. I understand that Senator Dorgan is concerned about the incidence of violent crime on Native American reservations, as is our community. Greater scrutiny by local media is a form of public protection. 

Question 2. What value has localism in public broadcasting brought to your rural 

Nevada community? 

Answer. I recognize the value that public broadcasting’s local focus brings to communities, large and small, across the country. Furthermore, as a small town broadcaster with almost twenty-five years’ experience, localism is what my job is all 

about. In fact, in the time I’ve been sitting at my desk to answer these questions 

I’ve received phone calls ranging from a Nevada Forester hoping to promote a local 

tree sale, to the Chairman of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce as we’re coordinating a series of candidate debates, including a televised forum featuring the U.S. 

Congressional Race for the 2nd District in Northern Nevada. Our involvement is a 

direct reflection of a busy community that relies on us. As a commercial broadcaster 

in radio and television, we are unique in that we provide services usually only found 

in public broadcasting. 

Question 3. Do you plan to attempt to influence the direction or outcome of public 

broadcasting programming? 

Answer. As a nominee, it has been clearly explained to me that members of the 

Board of Directors of the CPB are to have no influence on programming or content. 

Æ