RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Board of Directors has named Stephen Capus as the company’s Acting President, effective January 1, 2024. Board Vice Chairperson Margaret Hoover and Nominations Committee Chairperson Kristin Lord led the rigorous search process for the company.

Capus will serve in an acting capacity until the International Broadcasting Advisory Board is confirmed by the U.S. Senate and can vote on his appointment.

“We are very pleased that Steve has agreed to lead RFE/RL at this important moment in the company’s history,” said Board Chair Ambassador Karen Kornbluh. “He brings both distinguished experience as a senior manager in the news industry and a deep understanding of RFE/RL.”

Capus has more than 25 years of network news management, production, and journalistic experience. The former President of NBC News, Capus was also the Executive Producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, The News with Brian Williams, and CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley. In recent years, Capus has provided strategic advice as a consultant to RFE/RL in Prague and its grantor agency, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

Margaret Hoover added, “Steve’s vast experience as a journalist, producer, and news executive make him an exceptionally qualified choice to lead RFE/RL’s outstanding international team of journalists in these challenging times.”

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead RFE/RL as it remains steadfast in its mission as one of the world’s most trusted sources of independent news and information,” said Capus. “I look forward to continuing the dedicated work of RFE/RL’s existing leader, Jeff Gedmin, and in particular his important efforts to secure the release of four RFE/RL journalists who are unjustly detained.”

Capus will replace Jamie Fly, who stepped down from his position in the summer of 2023. Since July, Board Member Jeff Gedmin has led RFE/RL in an acting capacity.

About RFE/RL

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, Internet, television, and mobile — reach influential audiences in 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through USAGM.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]