LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. — The parent company of New York’s two largest PBS Member stations — WNET-13 and WLIW-21 — has revealed that its President/CEO will retire from his role when his current employment agreement concludes later this year.
Neal Shapiro’s decision, “made in consultation with the Board of Trustees,” follows nearly two decades of what The WNET Group calls his “transformative leadership,” which strengthened WNET’s position as one of the nation’s most-respected public media organizations.
Shapiro will remain as CEO of The WNET Group until a successor has been identified. Following a transition period, he will then move into a new role as President Emeritus to continue supporting WNET’s fundraising priorities and organizational objectives.
“Leading WNET has been the privilege of my professional career,” said Shapiro. “After careful consideration, I believe this is the right time to pass the torch to new leadership who will build on our momentum and guide WNET through its next chapter. I’m enormously proud of what our team has accomplished together, and I’m confident WNET’s future is bright.”
During Shapiro’s tenure, a NPR Member station came under his direction, as The WNET Group in early 2020 agreed to purchase Class B1 WPPB-FM 88.3 in Southampton, N.Y., serving Suffolk County audiences. Today, it is WLIW-FM and is simulcast on Class A WEER-FM 88.7 in Montauk, N.Y., ensuring The Hamptons get their NPR fix.
“We are deeply grateful for Neal’s exceptional leadership,” said James A. Attwood Jr., Chair of WNET’s Board of Trustees. “His vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our mission, have elevated public media and strengthened our service to millions of viewers. While we will miss his leadership, we celebrate his remarkable legacy and the profound impact he has had on our organization.”
The Board of Trustees has begun a comprehensive search for Neal’s successor and will announce further details in the coming months.
“In this next chapter, WNET remains committed to operating in alignment with our mission, even amid a complex industry environment,” Attwood continued. “We look forward to finding a leader who will build on Neal’s legacy with the same commitment to excellence and innovation.”
