Geoff Bennett, Amna Nawaz Pick Up Managing Editor Duties at ‘PBS NewsHour’

variety.com:

Brian Steinberg Senior TV Editor The two anchors of “PBS NewsHour” have been giving a lot of thought to the news they deliver, but also to the audience that’s receiving it. “I don’t think enough people know that our viewership is evenly split among conservatives, independence, progressives,” says Geoff Bennett, one of the co-anchors of the long-running program that was once known as “The McNeil-Lehrer News Hour.” In an era when audiences have become polarized, the show has also focused on “exploring every issue from every possible angle,” says Amna Nawaz, who leads the program with Bennett. “It’s the kind of thing I think our audience craves.” Nawaz and Bennett will be considering such issues more frequently now that they have each taken on a managing editor role at the program.

The title was previously held by Judy Woodruff, whom the duo succeeded in early 2023. Nawaz and Bennett take on the responsibilities after recent contract renewals for each that will keep them at the helm of the PBS news mainstay for a multi-year cycle, according to two people familiar with the matter. “These new titles of co-managing editor reflect the way Amna and Geoff work with each other and the staff.

Their editorial input is reflected in all aspects of our program,” says Sara Just, senior executive producer of “PBS NewsHour,” in a statement. “I am so grateful to partner with them both as we consider the daily challenges for journalism and our newsroom.” They take on their new duties as public-media outlets — and mainstream press as well — comes under intense scrutiny during the Trump administration.