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KPBS News Director Terence Shepherd to Step Down

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 22:00 GMT by Times of San Diego
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

SAN DIEGO, CA - February 13, 2026 - Terence Shepherd, the News Director of KPBS, San Diego's public broadcasting station, announced today that he will be leaving his position, with his final day slated for February 27, 2026. While KPBS has stated Shepherd's departure is voluntary, the news arrives at a particularly sensitive time for local journalism, prompting questions about the challenges facing public media and the future of news leadership.

Shepherd's tenure at KPBS, beginning in 2021, coincided with a period of significant upheaval for news organizations nationwide. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented logistical and financial obstacles, forcing newsrooms to adapt quickly while maintaining crucial public health reporting. Simultaneously, the local news landscape has been steadily eroded by economic pressures, leading to news deserts and a decline in investigative journalism. KPBS, like many public broadcasting stations, has not been immune to these challenges, experiencing its own budget cuts that impacted resources and staffing.

During his time, Shepherd demonstrably prioritized innovation. KPBS's press release highlighted his commitment to "expanding digital storytelling efforts," a critical move for any news organization attempting to reach modern audiences. This focus likely involved expanding KPBS's online presence, experimenting with new formats like podcasts, video series, and interactive data visualizations, and leveraging social media platforms to distribute news content. The investment in digital platforms isn't merely about reaching a wider audience; it's about adapting to changing consumption habits and ensuring sustainability in a media landscape increasingly dominated by online sources.

Shepherd's background demonstrates a career dedicated to public media. His previous leadership roles at stations in New Orleans and Memphis suggest a seasoned professional accustomed to navigating the complexities of serving diverse communities and upholding the standards of public service broadcasting. The fact that he has moved from station to station implies a pattern of seeking opportunities to build and improve news organizations, rather than remaining in a single position for an extended period. This mobility, while potentially disruptive for any organization, also suggests a commitment to revitalizing local news wherever he goes.

The timing of Shepherd's departure raises questions about the ongoing sustainability of local public media. Budgetary constraints continue to plague many stations, forcing difficult decisions about programming and staffing. The rise of algorithmic news feeds and the proliferation of misinformation further complicate the environment. Public broadcasting stations like KPBS play a vital role in providing independent, fact-checked news and in-depth reporting on local issues, a function that is increasingly essential in an era of polarized media.

The search for Shepherd's replacement will be crucial. KPBS needs a leader who not only understands the challenges facing local journalism but also possesses a vision for how to navigate them. Key qualities will include fundraising ability, a commitment to digital innovation, experience managing a diverse newsroom, and a deep understanding of the San Diego community. The new director will likely be tasked with strengthening KPBS's relationships with local partners, fostering community engagement, and identifying new revenue streams to ensure the long-term viability of the news department.

Beyond KPBS, Shepherd's departure underscores a broader trend of leadership transitions in the public media sector. Many veteran news directors are reaching retirement age, creating opportunities for a new generation of leaders to step forward. The challenge will be to find individuals who can balance the commitment to public service with the need for innovation and financial sustainability. The future of local news depends on it. The transition at KPBS will be closely watched by public broadcasters nationwide as they grapple with similar challenges and seek to adapt to the evolving media landscape.

KPBS has stated that more information will be released as the story develops. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.