John Boland

John L. Boland joined PBS in 2006 as its first Chief Content Officer. He leads an integrated, multi-platform content organization that includes six PBS operating divisions – TV Programming, Interactive, Education, Communications, Brand Management & Promotion, and Content Services. He has overseen the development of a new content strategy that combines experimentation and innovation to reach audiences on new digital media platforms while continuing to strengthen the core PBS television service. Since his arrival, PBS has exponentially increased the content and services offered on pbs.org, member station Web sites, and through distribution agreements with a range of partners from iTunes to Amazon and YouTube. He also directed the largest promotional and outreach campaign in PBS history in conjunction with the release of Ken Burns’ series THE WAR, with audiences reaching heights not achieved since the early 1990’s. John came to PBS from KQED Public Broadcasting in San Francisco, where he served in several capacities over more than a decade, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer. During his time at KQED, he planned, organized and led its transition from a traditional broadcaster into a multi-platform digital media organization. Boland began his career as a daily newspaper reporter in his native New Jersey, and he has worked as an editor and publisher for newspapers and magazines, as well as a senior advertising and public relations executive.