Ombudsman for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you help me clarify exactly what documentation should be submitted within my submission?

No specific documentation is required. Applicants should submit whatever documents they believe are relevant to their qualifications for the position.

Given that both PBS and NPR have their own ombudsmen, is CPB's thinking about this position that their own ombudsman would focus attention on questions and complaints related only or primarily to CPB-funded projects, such as "Story Corps" or "Changing Gears," and not specifically on news or current events programming that is unrelated to these special projects and could be addressed by the PBS and NPR ombudsmen?

It is likely that the CPB Ombudsman will focus largely on programs and issues specific to CPB, such as CPB-funded programs. The Ombudsman’s role will not, however, be so restricted. Any public media issue is open to comment, including programs from all sources which may be aired on public television and radio stations.

You indicate that the CPB ombudsman will be responsible for the "full cost of the Office of the Ombudsman" and that the ombudsman "shall be responsible for any office facilities, equipment, staff or other support service that may be required..." The NPR ombudsman works at NPR, I'm guessing that Michael Getler, the PBS ombudsman, works somewhere in an office at PBS. These ombudsmen ARE independent, and work independently. But since they are serving vital roles for NPR and PBS, don't they have access to offices, equipment, phones, computers and others items they need to do their jobs?

Candidates are welcome to submit proposals that include the full cost of stand-alone office facilities and separate staff support, or alternatives that propose using CPB office space and staff support. Final arrangements and costs will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Given that cost is clearly a factor, I would think CPB would envision some type of shared office arrangement, even a part-time office, for the ombudsman as NPR does. Obviously, renting a totally separate office, equipment, desks, phone services, internet services, etc would be a huge expense and duplication of what already exists at CPB. Did you mean to say this is what you expect the ombudsman to undertake as part of their role and as part of this contract? How do you see the ombudsman working, given he or she will be investigating complaints, talking with producers, editors and CPB decision-makers, many of whom will be onsite at CBP?