Meet the GM: Rich Homberg

  • Posted by Megan Paparella
  • November 6, 2018

Rich Homberg, President and Chief Executive Officer Detroit Public Television, Wixom, MI

What do you believe is currently the biggest challenge in public media?

Media disintermediation, including membership disintermediation

What is the best advice you have received from an employee?
Focus on major gifts!

What is the best advice you have received from a CEO of another station?
Hire a strong COO, get out of the office and “think big.” (Tom Karlo)

What is your favorite public television program and why?
PBS Newshour. It gives us an everyday voice on important issues.

Any advice to those interested in a leadership position in public media?
Come to the job with a 100% commitment to getting the job done inside the current media environment, funding environment and public media culture.

What are the top three leadership qualities you believe all CEOs should have?
1. Commitment to do the job
2. Voice of the organization
3. Strategic vision

If you were not a CEO right now, what would you like to be doing?
Running my own media start-up

Are you left or right-handed?
Very right-handed, but I write left-handed. My sisters taught me to write. They are lefties.

Do you honestly like to be in business attire?
It’s OK, “the uniform” is easy to put on each day. Simpler choices.