Helping Public Media Thrive

Through stronger boards, smarter leadership and collaborations that move missions forward

  • Kathy is whip-smart, and one of the best communicators I’ve worked with. Her expertise in public media is extraordinary, and she has a remarkable gift for translating complex technology and strategy into language anyone can understand.

    She combines deep knowledge with genuine warmth, making her an invaluable advisor and teacher. I recommend her without hesitation.

    Elizabeth Sembler
    Former CPB Board Chair

  • We partnered with Kathy on several initiatives. For our Connecticut‑specific work, she helped us chart a more intentional, informed path toward better serving Latino audiences.

    With the New England News Collaborative projects, Kathy pushed our thinking to design approaches that were not only effective in the moment but could ultimately stand on their own across a diverse group of stations.

    For any local media organization exploring a variety of complex partnerships to better serve their communities, I would trust Kathy to provide guidance that all parties involved could rely upon.

    Mark Contreras
    Former CEO
    Connecticut Public

  • I’ve deeply valued Kathy’s partnership and guidance throughout my public media career — from my time as CEO at StoryCorps to serving as Vice President for News and Civic Dialogue at WHYY.

    Kathy brings a rare, comprehensive understanding of public media, shaped by years of collaboration with organizations of every size. That insight is urgently needed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

    She has a remarkable ability to develop the leaders our system depends on, helping them build a public media network that is resilient, forward‑looking, and built to last.

    Sandra Clark
    CEO
    StoryCorps

Why This Work Matters

Public media stations are more than content creators — they are vital community institutions.

Their strength depends on leaders who can see emerging needs, spot untapped opportunities, and transform them into lasting public assets.

Solutions

  • Board Development

    Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident. Board training helps your directors manage risk, make smarter decisions, and guide your company toward long-term success.

  • Executive Coaching

    Public media leaders need the tools, confidence, and strategy to guide their stations into the future.

  • Collaboration Facilitation

    Effective collaboration means guiding partners toward shared clarity, aligned action, and results that none could achieve alone..

  • Strategic Project Management

    When teams are at capacity, outsourced leadership adds discipline and speed to drive high‑stakes initiatives from concept to completion.

  • Editorial Integrity Consulting

    Stations need the infrastructure and understanding that protects editorial integrity and deepens audience trust from the ground up.

Get in Touch

Please let me know how Merritt Strategies could be helpful to you. I will review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.