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PBS Promotes Scott Nourse to CTO, Signaling Digital Focus

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 19:21 GMT by TV Technology
      Locales: Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

PBS Bets Big on Future of Public Media with Promotion of Scott Nourse to CTO

ARLINGTON, Va. - January 31st, 2026 - Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) today announced the promotion of Scott Nourse to Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a move signaling the organization's deepened commitment to innovation and its evolving role in a rapidly changing media landscape. Nourse, previously the VP of Engineering, assumes the role with immediate effect, taking the helm of all technological strategy and operations for the nation's largest public media provider.

This isn't merely a reshuffling of internal leadership; it's a strategic pivot. PBS, like all media organizations, is navigating a complex era defined by the rise of streaming, evolving consumer habits, and increasing cybersecurity threats. The promotion of Nourse, a veteran with a proven track record of navigating such challenges, suggests PBS is doubling down on its digital future and prioritizing technological advancement as a core tenet of its mission.

Paula Kerger, PBS CEO, emphasized Nourse's pivotal role in the organization's ongoing transformation in a press release. "Scott has been instrumental in PBS's technology transformation, from streaming to security, and we are thrilled to have him lead our technology vision," she stated. This 'transformation' Kerger alludes to isn't just about adopting new technologies; it's about fundamentally rethinking how PBS delivers its content - educational programming, documentaries, news, and cultural experiences - to a diverse audience.

Nourse's arrival at PBS in 2018 coincided with a crucial period for the organization. Facing increased competition from commercial streaming services and a shifting viewership, PBS initiated a major overhaul of its digital infrastructure. Initial efforts focused on improving the PBS Video app and website, expanding its online content library, and enhancing accessibility across platforms. Nourse's engineering leadership was central to these early successes, laying the groundwork for more ambitious projects.

Prior to joining PBS, Nourse honed his expertise in the demanding environments of Turner Broadcasting System and Discovery Communications. These organizations, known for their robust content creation and distribution networks, provided Nourse with invaluable experience in managing large-scale technological operations and implementing innovative solutions. His background suggests a pragmatic approach to innovation, balancing ambitious goals with practical considerations of cost and implementation.

But what does Nourse's appointment mean for the future of PBS and its audience? Several key areas are likely to see significant development under his leadership.

Enhanced Streaming Capabilities: The streaming landscape is becoming increasingly crowded, and PBS needs to remain competitive. Expect to see investment in higher-quality video streaming, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration across devices. We can anticipate exploration of technologies like 8K streaming, immersive audio, and potentially even virtual or augmented reality experiences to further enhance the viewing experience.

Data-Driven Content Strategy: PBS has a wealth of viewership data, and Nourse is likely to leverage this information to refine the organization's content strategy. This could involve identifying emerging audience interests, optimizing program scheduling, and developing new content formats tailored to specific demographics. A move towards more interactive and personalized content is highly probable.

Robust Cybersecurity Measures: As a provider of trusted information and educational resources, PBS is a prime target for cyberattacks. Nourse will prioritize strengthening PBS's cybersecurity infrastructure to protect its data, systems, and audience from malicious threats. This includes investing in advanced threat detection systems, implementing stricter security protocols, and conducting regular security audits.

Expanded Digital Accessibility: PBS has a longstanding commitment to serving all members of the public, including those with disabilities. Nourse will likely focus on enhancing digital accessibility across all platforms, ensuring that PBS content is available to everyone, regardless of their technological limitations. This is particularly crucial as digital literacy gaps persist across various communities.

Innovation in Educational Technology: PBS has a rich history of creating educational content for children and adults. Nourse's leadership could unlock new possibilities for leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences. This might involve developing interactive educational games, virtual field trips, and personalized learning platforms.

Nourse himself expressed enthusiasm about his new role. "I'm excited to continue my journey at PBS and contribute to our mission of serving the public through the power of storytelling and education," he said. This statement underscores PBS's unwavering commitment to its public service mission, even as it embraces technological change. The promotion of Scott Nourse isn't just about technology; it's about ensuring that public media remains a vital and relevant force in the 21st century.