Two RI media stations – RI PBS and The Public's Radio – to merge. What to know.

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio – formerly known as Rhode Island Public Radio – plan to merge, subject to state and federal regulatory approval.

"Once the merger is completed, Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio will launch an inclusive engagement process to help co-create a vision for a new combined public media organization focused on serving our diverse communities with quality journalism through broadcast and digital channels," the two entities said in a joint statement.

Why will the two Rhode Island media stations merge?

The reasons for the merger are not clear, but their announcement said:

"The proposed merger, which would join the ranks of a number of public media mergers nationwide, iscontingent upon a regulatory process by the Federal Communications Commission and the stateAttorney General’s office. In the meantime, viewers and listeners will continue to see and hear all theirfavorite programs."

“This is a tremendously exciting moment for our organizations and for the audiences we serve.Together, with our partners in public television, we will bring the incredible work of our teams into morehomes and communities, and in new and different ways,” said Elizabeth Delude-Dix, chair of board ofdirectors of The Public’s Radio.

"As a unified public media organization, we anticipate building new relationships and fostering deep partnerships while opening our audience’s eyes and ears to new experiences in the arts, sciences, humanities, and politics," she said.

Added David Piccerelli, president of Rhode Island PBS: “The media landscape and the demands of our viewers have changed significantly ... and yet we continue to deliver award winning programming. I am ecstatic about this merger because it enhances our ability to do just that."

Torey Malatia, the president, chief executive officer and general manager of The Public’s Radio, and Piccerelli will continue to serve as CEOs, according to the announcement.

Asked about funding sources, Piccerelli told The Journal: "Rhode Island PBS does not receive any money from the State of Rhode Island and has not since 2014. We do receive a Community Service Grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967."

The radio station states on its own website: "The Public's Radio receives no funding from the [states] of Rhode Island or Massachusetts."

When asked what happens next on the regulatory front, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha's office sent this statement:

"Public radio is an essential civic and cultural resource for Rhode Islanders. UnderThe Public Radio Conversions Act, the Attorney General serves as a regulator overseeing transactions where the transfer of ownership of a public radio station is proposed."

"During our review process, our Office will examine whether a merger is in the best interest of both the public and the local public media landscape by reviewing the information in the application, and requesting additional materials from the parties if necessary. 

"Once an application is deemed complete and the parties’ filing is accepted, the application will be made public. ... Our Office will [then] have 180 days to either approve or reject the proposed merger. The public’s participation is welcome and an important part of the process.

"During the review process, our Office will be accepting written comment and will also hold a public meeting where we will accept oral testimony and comment. Our final written decision will be shared with parties and the public."

The attorney general’s review will occur concurrently with the separate review by the Federal Communications Commission.