Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein Establishes Fund at WETA, Flagship Public Broadcaster in the Nation’s Capital

January 28, 2014 — Arlington, Virginia — Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein and WETA President and Chief Executive Officer Sharon Percy Rockefeller today announced the establishment of The David M. Rubenstein Fund at WETA, a $1 million fund to create programming that celebrates American culture, history and public affairs.

In announcing the gift, Rubenstein stated, “I believe in the power of public media to be a force for education, sharing the vibrant culture and rich history of this country. Under Sharon’s leadership, WETA has operated at the highest standards and with ambitious goals. I hope that my gift will serve as a beacon to others, recognizing the unique role public media plays in our society and encouraging the creation of pioneering, intelligent content in service to the American people.”

“This is truly an inspiring gift,” Rockefeller said. “Through the programs and services that WETA will be able to develop with these resources, David is empowering audiences to share the joy of learning, enjoy a deeper understanding of our nation’s history, and experience the arts. David’s investment in WETA will meaningfully expand our ability to create unique programming and bring innovative, important ideas to life on behalf of the public.”

Rockefeller will use The David M. Rubenstein Fund to create and enhance programs that celebrate American culture, history and public affairs.  As the flagship public broadcaster in the nation’s capital, a major producer of national programming for PBS, America’s leading classical radio station, and a leader in digital literacy content, WETA is well positioned to use the fund to expand its programs and services.

David M. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of The Carlyle Group, a global alternative asset manager.  Prior to forming the firm in 1987, Rubenstein practiced law in Washington, D.C. with Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman).  From 1977 to 1981, during the Carter administration,  Rubenstein was Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.  From 1975 to 1976, he served as Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments.

Rubenstein is Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Duke University, a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution, Vice-Chairman of the Boards of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Brookings Institution, and is President of the Economic Club of Washington.

WETA Television and Classical WETA 90.9 FM are public broadcasting stations serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia with high-quality programming. Classical WETA 90.9 FM brings classical music, concerts and specials to Greater Washington. As the leading PBS station in the nation’s capital, WETA Television broadcasts on four channels: WETA TV 26, WETA HD, WETA UK and WETA Kids. As the third-largest station producer of programming for public broadcasting, WETA produces PBS NewsHour; Washington Week with Gwen Ifill; films by Ken Burns such as The Dust Bowl, The Civil War, Baseball, and the forthcoming series The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; and performance specials from the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Embracing the educational mission of public broadcasting, WETA creates leading public service websites such as www.ReadingRockets.org, www.LDOnline.org, www.ColorinColorado.org, www.AdLit.org and www.Brainline.org; and develops community outreach programs to engage people of all ages in the joy of lifelong learning. WETA is located in Arlington, Virginia.  More information on WETA and its programs is available at www.weta.org.

# # #