The Future of Public Media

Public media plays a unique role in providing trusted news, educational programming, and cultural content to communities across the country. Yet, ongoing discussions about funding raise important questions about its future. Join WTCI President & CEO Bob Culkeen and WUTC General Manager Susan Lazenby for a public talk exploring the value of public media, the potential impact of reduced funding, and what these changes could mean for viewers and listeners. This conversation will highlight the role public media plays locally and nationally, while inviting the community to reflect on how it shapes access to information and lifelong learning.

About the speakers:

Bob Culkeen 
WTCI-PBS, Chattanooga, TN President and CEO

Bob Culkeen became President and CEO of WTCI, the Greater Chattanooga Public Television Station (TN) in January 2020. Prior to his role at WTCI, he served as the General Manager and Executive Director of the WSRE-TV Foundation, the Pensacola, Florida PBS Member Station licensed to Pensacola State College. Culkeen’s career in public media also includes positions at Illinois Public Media in Champaign, IL; WJCT in Jacksonville, FL; and WUFT in Gainesville, FL.

Culkeen’s commitment to the public media industry further demonstrates his current service as a recently elected board member on the PBS Board of Directors. He is also Vice Chair of the PBS Small Station Association, and serves on the PBS Affinity Group Coalition, and the Tennessee Public Television Council. 

Culkeen is active in the Chattanooga Rotary Club, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Museum Board of Directors. He has been civically involved in the communities where he has lived.

Culkeen holds a M.Ed. from Westfield State University (MA), a B.S. from Fitchburg State University (MA), and an A.S. from Grahm Junior College (MA). 

Susan Lazenby
General Manager for WUTC 88.1

Susan Lazenby is the General Manager for WUTC 88.1 at the University of Tennessee. She is responsible for leading WUTC, while promoting an environment that promotes journalism, storytelling, and engagement through music, news and discussion for UTC, Chattanooga and regional communities. She is working to create a strategic, thoughtful and well-planned programming. She has worked in higher education since 2007. Prior to her current position she worked in higher ed Information Technology. Susan was raised in Chattanooga and has a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and English Literature from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

Host or Publisher The Chattery