By now most of you know that a local PBS leader has landed a prestigious appointment in Washington. Dick Lobo, 73, president and chief executive of WEDU-Channel 3, has been named by the White House to head the International Broadcasting Bureau. The IBB runs, among other things, Voice of America as well as Radio and TV Marti. Lobo’s appointment is contingent upon confirmation by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Lobo’s management experience is considerable and includes NBC affiliates in Miami, New York, Chicago and Cleveland. What many don’t know, however, is his extensive and eclectic field reporting. Among his interviewees: Fidel Castro, Mickey Mantle, the Beatles, Malcolm X and Barbra Streisand. And when was the last time those five references appeared in the same sentence?