Public Broadcasting Meets the New Boss

Newsday.com: Public Broadcasting Meets the New Boss:

"Another GOP appointee takes over from the outspoken Tomlinson, but hints at a new tone.

WASHINGTON — Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, who had led a charge against what he called the liberal slant in public broadcasting, ended his tumultuous two-year term as chairman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting on Monday, yielding the gavel to another Republican appointee with similar views if not a similar style.


Tomlinson, a former editor of Reader's Digest, was elected chairman in 2003 and soon began to rankle broadcasting officials by pushing for more conservative voices on public television and radio. The bulk of his criticism centered on Bill Moyers, the commentator and former aide to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had sharply criticized the Bush administration in commentaries on his program "Now," before retiring in December.

Shortly after taking office, Tomlinson secretly hired Fred Mann, a consultant with conservative ties, to monitor and report on the political leanings of guests on "Now" and other public broadcasting shows. Those who expressed opinions critical of the Bush administration were labeled "liberal" or "anti-Bush."

Tomlinson said he commissioned the report without informing the rest of the CPB board to learn more about the programming without alarming people in the system. But the report was denounced by Democratic lawmakers and liberal interest groups.

The chairman also drew criticism for awarding contracts to Republican lobbyists without informing the rest of the board.

Tomlinson's activities are being investigated by the CPB's inspector general, Kenneth A. Konz."