Outgoing 'Wash Post' Ombudsman Getler Takes Similar Role at PBS

By: Joe Strupp Outgoing Washington Post ombudsman Michael Getler will take a similar role at PBS, the public broadcasting organization revealed Wednesday.

"Following a nationwide search, PBS has appointed veteran journalist Michael Getler as ombudsman, a newly created
position," a release from PBS said. "As an independent internal critic, Mr. Getler will seek to ensure that PBS upholds its own rigorous standards of journalistic ethics for both online and on-air content." It also noted that Getler "will have complete authority to determine what issues are examined and full independence in
assessing them."

Getler, whose contract with the Post ends later this month, will begin his new duties on Nov. 15. and report directly to PBS President and CEO Pat Mitchell. Getler will be replaced at the Post by Deborah Howell, former Washington bureau chief for Advance Publications' Newhouse Newspapers.

"National opinion surveys have shown that PBS is America's most trusted public institution and that the majority of the public finds PBS content to be free of bias," Mitchell said in a statement. "We want to maintain and strengthen this position by adding another way to ensure that PBS continues to practice the highest standards of journalism. Acting as the public's editor, the Ombudsman
will provide viewers with someone who will answer their questions and respond to concerns they might have about journalistic issues.

PBS officials said the decision to appoint an ombudsman was first considered by PBS management more than one year ago and "was fully supported by the panel of expert journalists PBS convened in February to review the organization's Editorial Standards and Policies."

Before becoming the Post's ombudsman in November 2000, Getler served as executive editor of the International Herald- Tribune from 1996 until 2000. Prior to overseeing IHT, Getler worked for The Post for 26 years, starting in 1970 as a military affairs correspondent.