Thomas Kent has been chosen as the new president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the organization’s Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Shell announced.
Kent replaces Acting RFE/RL President Nenad, who has been in the role since 2015, when Kevin Klose stepped down from the Prague-based private, nonprofit, multimedia broadcasting corporation.
“His track record in digital news expansion and his collaborative leadership style aligns with the board’s vision of a unified, innovative and effective U.S. International Media,” Shell said of Kent in the announcement.
He has worked at The Associated Press since 1972, working as Moscow bureau chief, international editor, deputy managing editor and, most recently, standards editor. He is credited with helping the organization transition to digital and has been involved in strategic planning and multimedia service development.
Broadcasting Board of Governors CEO and Director John F. Lansing said, “He brings extensive experience in developing successful digital media strategies and joins us at a highly dynamic time when BBG networks are streamlining and employing content in creative and impactful ways.”
Additionally, Kent has written and spoken about journalism ethics; he has served as a member of the advisory board of the Ethical Journalism Network, leader of the Online News Association’s Build Your Own Ethics Code project, advisor for the Society of Professional Journalists and international reporting juror for the Pulitzer Prize Prizes.
He speaks four languages and is fluent in Russian. Kent also has a particular interest in Russian news media., and he has taught at Moscow State University and St. Petersburg University of Trade Unions, in addition to stints at his alma mater Yale University, Columbia University and New York University and other institutions.
“I look forward to joining its highly skilled team as we create great journalism across languages and geographies,” Kent said.
