About Ocean State Media
MISSION
Fueled by fearless local journalism, community-centered storytelling, and multi-platform innovation, Ocean State Media connects with audiences where they are. We listen deeply, partner with our neighbors, and create space for dynamic conversations and meaningful connections.
VISION
To become Rhode Islanders’ first choice for news, information and community connection, helping to inspire understanding, trust, and a stronger, more informed future.
PURPOSE
In a time of noise, we are choosing to listen. In an era of division, we are building connection. In a rapidly shifting media landscape, we are doubling down on place -on the people, stories, questions and cultures that define Rhode Island.
We are reimagining what public media can be – with, for and about you.
- Deeply local: Rooted in our neighborhoods and communities.
- Widely available: Wherever you are, we’re there with you.
- Relevant: Keeping up with the times and meeting them with urgency.
- Distinctive: Content that feels like Rhode Island and couldn’t come from anywhere else.
- Community-centered: Driven by listening, learning, and connection.
Ocean State Media isn’t just a service - it’s a relationship. And now more than ever, we are creating a local media experience that informs, connects and represents us all.
Watch live | Listen live | Follow us on social media
FB, BlueSky, TikTok, Reddit: @oceanstatemedia
Instagram & Threads: @ocean.state.media
YouTube: @oceanstatemediari
X: @osmediari
Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio had rich traditions as trusted sources of news, entertainment, and educational content. We are even stronger together.
Two Paths, Same Direction
Rhode Island PBS
WSBE-TV Channel 36 began broadcasting from the Rhode Island College campus in 1967, at which time its license was held by the Rhode Island State Board of Education. The license was transferred to a quasi-state agency, the Rhode Island Public Telecommunications Authority, in 1981, until the organization was established as an independent non-profit, the Channel 36 Foundation, in 1987.
The foundation relocated to its current headquarters at 50 Park Lane in Providence in 1991 and was later renamed the Rhode Island PBS Foundation.
The Public’s Radio
In 1997, a coalition of community leaders joined to form The Foundation for Ocean State Public Radio (FOSPR) to bring public radio to Rhode Island. Originally launched as an outpost for WBUR in Boston in 1998, WRNI – also known as Rhode Island Public Radio – became an independent, community-owned nonprofit in November of 2007 thanks to the same coalition of tireless community leaders. In October 2011, the station made the switch from 1290 AM to 88.1 FM and continued to expand its signal and reach to better serve the state and the region.
In 2017, the station launched a $6 million capital campaign to support the expansion of journalistic initiatives, marked by a new name and signal - The Public’s Radio 89.3 FM. While the COVID-19 pandemic altered the course (and priorities) of the campaign, the station successfully launched an investigative desk and enabled greater local coverage.
Coming Together
In November 2023, the respective boards of directors of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio officially voted to merge their operations, announcing that by combining resources and talent, they could “build on our respective traditions of trust and integrity…to deliver rich programming that is meaningful, accessible, and inclusive.”
In January of the following year, the Federal Communications Commission approved the application, and then in April, the merger received regulatory approval from the Rhode Island Attorney General. After filing incorporation paperwork with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, the merger was completed that spring, and veteran multimedia journalist Pam Johnston was named as CEO in July 2024.
In July 2025, the unified organization announced its name change to Ocean State Media after a rigorous community process that engaged more than 1,000 people across the region.
An Exciting Future
Our new unified name and brand reflect our connection to the community and a shared commitment to trusted journalism, powerful storytelling, and public service across the Ocean State. This work is only possible because of our viewers, listeners, and supporters who believe in the power of independent media.
Get involved and support our work today.