Jan. 8, 2015For More Information:Michael Harryman, WPT Director of Communication, [email protected] Ernst, WPT P​romotion Manager, [email protected] Wisconsin Public Television Director of Television James Steinbach to Retire in July James Steinbach, Director of Television at Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), has announced his plans to retire from the leadership position at the statewide public television network in July 2015.Steinbach, a veteran public broadcaster, has led WPT since 2006. "It has been one of my greatest career pleasures to lead this talented team of colleagues at WPT," Steinbach said. "Every day we provide essential educational, entertaining and enlightening programming that impacts, and serves, every person in the state. I am so proud of the work we have done together, and for the recognition this body of work has earned from the state and around the country; I look forward to the continued innovation and strong community engagement that public television will continue to provide to Wisconsin in the future." "WPT's 60 years of excellence has been marked by a long legacy of strong leaders like James," said Malcolm Brett, Director of Broadcasting and Media Innovations with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. "Among his accomplishments, James led WPT through the important digital TV transition, taking what was a difficult and confusing process for many of the state's television viewers and leveraging the power of public broadcasting to expand our program offerings and to make them accessible through hands-on service and education." "James understands the value of educational public television and the vital role it plays in Wisconsin. Those values are inherent in the work of WPT employees and you can see it for yourself on the air and online," said Gene Purcell, Director of the Educational Communications Board. "I have been proud to work alongside James to continue to build powerful relationships with communities across the state through innovative television productions, community engagement and exciting educational opportunities," said Linda Prehn, President of Friends of Wisconsin Public Television. A national search for WPT's next Director of Television will begin this week. A position description and application materials are available athttp://wpt.org/AboutWPT/Employment/. Prior to serving as station director, Steinbach held the position of director of programming and production at WPT for 16 years and was responsible for the creation and delivery of a wide range of services throughout the state. He also has been a principal architect of WPT's conversion to digital media production and distribution. Steinbach has been involved in public television for more than 40 years, working in virtually every aspect of production and programming. Under his direction, WPT has received numerous honors, including three DuPont Columbia Awards, multiple Emmy awards, and awards from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, National Association of Broadcasters and others. He has served on advisory panels for a variety of organizations including CPB, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities and others. Steinbach's own work has received numerous honors, including a national Emmy award, regional Emmy awards, awards from Action for Children's Television, Parents' Choice Magazine and others.Before coming to Wisconsin, Steinbach was senior executive producer at KTCA-TV, Twin Cities Public Television, Minneapolis and St. Paul. At KTCA, he created, produced, and executive-produced many local and national programs, including Carols From King's, American Pie and Newton's Apple. His previous experience also includes field directing Studio See, a groundbreaking PBS children's series produced at South Carolina ETV.WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin–Extension. Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.-END-