Rachel Smolkin Appointed as CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting by CNN
OPB has appointed Rachel Smolkin as their new leader, lauding her skills as a visionary journalist and a brilliant business strategist. This seasoned professional will guide the 100-year-old public media company through the turbulent landscape of the journalism industry, especially the challenges facing public media in particular. Rukaiyah Adams, chair of OPB's board of directors, expressed her excitement, stating Smolkin's extensive experience in journalism, vast professional network, and adaptability will propel the organization forward.
Upon joining CNN in 2014, Smolkin's role was to head their politics coverage for CNN Digital. She played a crucial part in transforming CNN's digital news treatment, accommodating the shift in modern-day media consumption habits. Smolkin's remit later expanded to encompass national, international, business, and live news for their digital platform. Her tenure also saw her initiative in a groundbreaking approach to election coverage, providing users with real-time updates on races throughout the country, regardless of their device or technology.
CNN's executive editor, Virginia Moseley, endorsed Smolkin in a memo to staff, highlighting her prowess as a leader and collaborator. Under her guidance, the network hired and supported talented, diverse journalists. She also spearheaded efforts to strengthen breaking news branding, prioritize service journalism, and mainstream explainers and fact checks as key elements in their narratives.
Smolkin assumes her position at a time when the digital and broadcast advertisement markets - traditionally funding media organizations - have experienced drastic shrinkage. This is due to a shift in news consumption habits, with audiences reliant on social media apps and unconventional sources. The advancement of AI also poses a threat to the future of traditional journalism's business model.
Like other media entities, CNN faces these disruptions. CEO Mark Thompson, who took over in 2023, outlined a plan calling for the company to recapture its initial spark and boldness.
Despite OPB's increasing donations over the past decade, Smolkin and the organization envisioned fresh perspectives to meet the future demands of its audience. Smolkin, who graduated with an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business while working at CNN, focused on creating news and public affairs programming for all Oregonians and Southwest Washingtonians.
Smolkin expressed her gratitude for the board's resolve to spearhead crucial conversations and pioneer new ways to engage with communities, saying: "I am honored to lead OPB in its upcoming chapter." She is slated to start her new role in September.
Prior to her time at CNN, Smolkin held positions at Politico, USA Today, and the American Journalism Review.
This announcement follows the departure of Sam Feist, the former CNN Washington bureau chief and senior vice president, who is now transitioning to CEO of C-SPAN.
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Smolkin's background in business at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business will prove invaluable as she develops new revenue streams for OPB, ensuring the organization's financial stability in the face of changing media trends. The complexity of today's media environment requires a strategic approach, and Smolkin's experience in various media outlets, including CNN, positions her well to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by both traditional and digital platforms in the business of media.
