University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis. – Malcolm Brett has been named Director of Broadcasting and Media Innovations at the University of Wisconsin-Extension effective July 1, 2007. UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson made the announcement today.

Brett will be responsible for guidance and oversight of Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) as well as Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) and the National Center for Outreach (NCO), an initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

“I am extremely delighted that Malcolm Brett will be the new director of our UW-Extension division of Broadcast and Media Innovations,” said David Wilson, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. “Malcolm is a highly regarded leader in the world of public broadcasting, and is highly respected by his peers across the country, across Wisconsin and among his colleagues within Extension.

“The role of this division is so vital to maintaining the free flow of information, keeping our citizenry informed and educated, and helping us expand access to cutting-edge knowledge. Malcolm is the perfect leader to continue our impressive record in this highly complex arena of public broadcasting, where new technologies and changing issues constantly evolve.”

Brett has served as interim director of Broadcasting and Media Innovations since last July after serving six years as director of WPT. During the past two decades at WPT, Brett has served as production manager for a national technology series, corporate development manager, director of development, and executive director of Friends of WHA-TV.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the leadership team for Extension at a time when our mission of public service and digital media are coming together in exciting new ways,” Brett said. “I look forward to advancing the University’s rich history and tradition of innovation in broadcasting, media and community service.”

Brett replaces Byron Knight who retired in July of 2006 as director of Broadcasting and Media Innovations at UW-Extension after 28 years of service in public broadcasting in Wisconsin.

Broadcasting and Media Innovations uses technology and community relationships to support education, culture, communities and civic engagement.

• WPR, operated in partnership with the Educational Communications Board (ECB), delivers programming to more than 383,000 listeners per week through 29 stations.
• WPT operates six broadcast stations in partnership with ECB that serve 538,000 viewers per week.
• ICS uses interactive technology to support telecommunications and distance learning.
• NCO, an initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, assists public broadcasters nationwide in providing meaningful community engagement services.

Brett earned his B.A. degree at the University of Wisconsin. He and his wife, Penny, live in Fitchburg, Wis.

More information about Broadcasting & Media Innovations is available on the Web at http://www.uwex.edu/bami/