HOUSTON, April 1, 2025 – Following a national search, Houston Public Media today announces that veteran media executive and station manager Joshua B. Adams has been promoted to associate vice president and general manager, effective June 1, 2025.
In this role, Adams will oversee the strategic direction and operations of Houston Public Media’s broadcast and digital assets, including the nation’s first educational television station KUHT TV8 (PBS), KUHF News 88.7 (NPR) and their digital subchannels. He will also serve as an ex officio member of the Houston Public Media Foundation Board, which provides financial support to the organization.
“During the search process, it became clear that Houston Public Media is not just a local asset — it’s a national leader in public broadcasting,” said Raymond Bartlett, senior vice president for administration and finance at the University of Houston. “We realized that the best way to build on our strong foundation was with a leader who deeply understands our mission, our community and our momentum. Josh has been instrumental in our digital transformation, and his knowledge of both the market and the team positions him perfectly to lead us into the next chapter.”
Adams, who joined Houston Public Media in 2012, brings over 25 years of broadcast experience to his new role. In his five-year tenure as station manager, he has overseen Houston Public Media’s day-to-day operations including news, programming, education, engineering, technology, facilities and broadcast operations, as well as digital and social media strategy. Prior roles included executive director of operations, director of technology and operations, and executive producer. Before joining public media, Adams spent more than a decade producing news and talk shows for commercial television stations.
Among his contributions, Adams positioned Houston Public Media for long-term success through partnerships with the University of Houston. He oversaw transformative investments in technology and infrastructure and was integral in the creation of innovative, industry-leading journalism collaborations such as The Texas Newsroom. He has been instrumental in fundraising, forging relationships with donors, sponsors and institutional stakeholders.
“Houston Public Media has always been at the forefront of innovation, education, and community service,” said Adams. “I’m honored to lead a team so deeply committed to connecting and uplifting the people of Southeast Texas. As we expand our digital footprint and strengthen our partnerships, I see an extraordinary future ahead — one rooted in trust, creativity and a passion for public media that informs, inspires and unites.”
Adams succeeds Lisa Shumate, associate vice president and general manager since 2011, who announced her plans to step down last year and concludes her tenure on May 31. Shumate will continue teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston and pursue her interest in executive leadership development.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Houston Public Media)
