Mark Newman to Step Down as Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations

March 16, 2026

WFYI is sharing this news from our collaborative partners at Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS). 

From WFYI CEO, Greg Petrowich:

Mark has been a thoughtful partner to WFYI and to stations across Indiana, and we’ve appreciated his steady leadership in strengthening statewide collaboration. As public media continues to navigate a challenging and changing landscape, we look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues around the state to serve Hoosiers with trusted journalism, educational resources, and essential community services. We wish Mark the very best in his next role.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Mark Newman, Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. (IPBS), has announced that he will step down later this month to become President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association in Columbia, South Carolina.

Newman’s final day with IPBS will be Monday, March 23, 2026. He will begin his new role with SCRLA in April.

During his tenure, Newman worked with leaders of Indiana’s public television and radio stations to strengthen collaboration, advance statewide initiatives, and advocate for public media as a trusted source of educational programming, public affairs coverage, community engagement, and public safety alert and warning systems.

During a period of significant change for public media, Newman worked with station leaders to explore collaborative approaches and shared initiatives aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability and service capacity of Indiana’s public media system.

“It has been an honor to work alongside the leaders and staffs of Indiana’s public radio and TV stations and to support the important role they play in communities across the state,” said Newman. “Public media in Indiana serves as a trusted civic resource—providing educational opportunities for learners of all ages, keeping citizens in the know with high-quality journalism, and helping to keep them safe in times of severe weather and emergency.”

Newman brings extensive experience in tourism, marketing, and statewide collaboration to his new role. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Director of Visit Indiana, where he worked with destinations, attractions, restaurateurs, and lodging partners across the state to promote Indiana and grow its tourism economy.

“I am grateful to the IPBS Board of Directors and to the station staff across Indiana for their partnership and support,” Newman said. “While I am excited about this new opportunity, I will always be proud of the work we accomplished together on behalf of public media and the communities our stations serve.”

Tim Black, IPBS Board Chair and President/CEO of WNIN Tri-State Public Media, thanked Newman for his leadership and service.

“Mark has guided IPBS during a challenging period for public media,” said Black. “He has worked to strengthen collaboration among Indiana’s stations and to help position the system to navigate a changing funding environment. We appreciate his leadership and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”

The IPBS Board of Directors will share additional information in the coming weeks regarding leadership transition plans.

Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. supports Indiana’s system of independently operated public television and radio stations, working collaboratively to provide programming and services that educate, inform, and protect the lives of Hoosiers.

The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association is the leading voice for South Carolina’s hospitality industry, representing restaurants, hotels, and tourism-related businesses across the state.