Holly Kernan is named executive editor of news — a new senior management position.
Mia Zuckerkandel is the new executive producer of television for news. Beth Willon comes on board as senior editor for the new Silicon Valley News Desk.
KQED News, the most trusted source of news in the Bay Area, appoints three new editors for its multiplatform operation. Holly Kernan, who spent the last decade as KALW's news and public affairs director, is named executive editor, news. In this new senior management position, she will oversee the full KQED News television, radio and online operation with offices and bureaus in San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno and Los Angeles. Mia Zuckerkandel is the new executive producer, television,and will oversee all news and current affairs television productions, including the weekly KQED NEWSROOM.She most recently was the senior editor for digital content at the Center for Investigative Reporting. Beth Willon has been announced as the senior editor for KQED’s new Silicon Valley News Desk. She was most recently at KGO Radio and has spent more than 15 years in San Jose at NBC11/KNTV.
“We were looking for proven leaders and seasoned news professionals with stellar editorial accomplishments and the highest standards, who could help us navigate a changing media environment to best serve our audience,” says Michael Isip, KQED’s senior vice president and chief content officer. “Ultimately, their experience, proven track records, as well as their passion and potential made these three individuals our top choices.”
“I’m so excited to join this respected news organization that is doing high quality, mission-driven journalism, and is committed to growing its multiplatform state and regional service,” added Kernan, who joined KQED on September 22. Kernan’s purview at KQED includes local news coverage, the statewide news service The California Report, the weekly news and public affairs program KQED NEWSROOM and all online news properties, including the news site KQEDnews.org. ”This is the right time for public media to step into the vacuum created by the loss of reporters at commercial outlets. I’m very fortunate to inherit such a talented team with leadership that believes so solidly in the importance of journalism to our audiences.”