Executive Compensation at PBS (2024)

PBS (Public Broadcasting System) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) television program distributer and broadcaster of educational television content through its 153 member public television licensees.

In 2024, PBS reported total revenue of $558 million (which is consistent with previous years). However, $146 million were non-cash contributions of donated broadcast rights which means total cash revenue was $412 million, most of which came from membership dues and contributions, gifts, and grants.

Total expenses were $551 million. However, $146 million were donated broadcast rights and $6 million was depreciation, meaning cash expenses were $399 million, with the second largest expense ($106  million or 26% of cash revenue) being compensation for the 655 employees, who received an average compensation of $162,000.  However, only 357 employees (about 55%) received more than $100,000 in compensation.

The 15 most highly compensated employees were:

• $1,283,131:  Paula A Kerger, President and CEO
• $  850,594:  Jonathan Barzilay, COO
• $  696,295:  Ira Rubenstein, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer
• $  622,901:  Katherine S Lauderdale, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary
• $  602,039:  Thomas E Tardivo, CFO, Treasurer
• $  586,620:  Rhonda D Holt, Chief Technology Officer
• $  515,573:   Sylvia Bugg, Chief Prog Exec and GM
• $  499,324:  Jeremy Gaines, SVP, Corp Communications
• $  488,824:  Scott Nourse, SVP, Product and Innovation
• $  460,007:  Michael D Jacobson, SVP, HR
• $  458,260:  Sara E Dewitt, SVP and GM, PBS Kids
• $  424,808:  Cecilia B Loving, SVP, DEI
• $  403,919:  Jill Patrone, VP and Deputy General Counsel
• $  379,107:  Adriano Schmid, VP, Digital Strategy, Ops and Business Intel
• $  302,159:  Mary Plantamura, Assistant Corp Secretary, Associate General Counsel, PBS Compliance Officer

The 15 most highly compensated employees received nearly $9 million in compensation.

8 of the 15 most highly compensated employees are female while 7 are male.

PBS provided tax indemnification and/or gross up payments. Specifically, PBS grossed up payments for certain taxable benefits provided to certain executives. No additional detail is provided.

The most highly compensated employee was Paul Kerger, the President and CEO who received $1.3 million in 2024.

38 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation. The five (5) most highly compensated were reported to be:

• $5,771,707:  Covington Burling, of Washington, DC for legal services
• $1,391,852:  Intelsat US LLC, of McLean, VA for satellite services
• $  591,707    Mitchell Silberberg Knupp, of LA, CA for legal services
• $  542,433:  Itero Group, of New Cumberland, PA for technology and integration services
• $  492,692:  Map 360 Collective, of Y, NY for marketing services

At year-end, PBS had nearly $421 million in net assets, or fund balances.

To read the IRS Form 990 (2023 for the year ending June 30, 2024), click here.