A Steward of Stories: Reflecting on the Legacy of Jon Miskowski
The news of Jon Miskowski’s passing hit hard, not just for those who knew him personally, but for anyone who’s ever benefited from the quiet, relentless work of public media. Jon, PBS Wisconsin’s Emeritus Director of Television, wasn’t just a leader in his field—he was a steward of stories, a champion of voices often left unheard, and a reminder of what public service truly means. His death on May 9th, after a long battle with cancer, leaves a void that’s both personal and profoundly communal.
What makes Jon’s legacy particularly fascinating is how he embodied the spirit of public media itself. Starting as a volunteer over 40 years ago, he rose through the ranks not by chasing fame or fortune, but by chasing impact. Personally, I think this is where many people misunderstand the essence of public media work. It’s not about ratings or revenue; it’s about connection, education, and amplification. Jon understood this instinctively. His dedication to Wisconsin’s First Nations communities, for instance, wasn’t just a checkbox initiative—it was a deeply personal commitment to ensuring their stories were told, their voices heard.
One thing that immediately stands out is Jon’s ability to balance vision with humility. He could have rested on his laurels after achieving national prominence for PBS Wisconsin, but instead, he constantly pushed for improvement. “We can always do better,” he’d say, and that mantra wasn’t just lip service. It was a philosophy that drove him to mentor countless professionals, to innovate in programming, and to build sustainable fundraising models. What this really suggests is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating a room where everyone’s voice matters.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Jon’s love for hearing from viewers, particularly the fans of PBS KIDS. It’s easy to get lost in the mechanics of media—the production schedules, the budgets, the metrics. But Jon never forgot who it was all for. He’d light up sharing stories from parents whose kids learned to read through Sesame Street or from teachers who used PBS resources in their classrooms. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the heart of public media: not just broadcasting content, but fostering relationships.
From my perspective, Jon’s greatest achievement wasn’t any single program or award—it was the culture he cultivated. He saw himself as a steward, not just of PBS Wisconsin, but of Wisconsin itself. This raises a deeper question: How many leaders today view their roles with such a sense of responsibility? In an era where media is often weaponized or commodified, Jon’s approach feels almost radical. He believed in the power of storytelling to unite, educate, and inspire.
What many people don’t realize is how much Jon’s work influenced the broader landscape of public media. His focus on local storytelling, immersive experiences, and educational content set a standard that others have followed. PBS Wisconsin’s resilience and impact today are a testament to his vision. But more importantly, his legacy lives on in the people he mentored and the communities he served.
As we reflect on Jon’s life, I’m reminded of something he once said: “My career has been a source of inspiring challenges and creative joy.” That joy wasn’t just his—it was something he shared with everyone around him. Personally, I think that’s the ultimate measure of a life well-lived.
If you’re moved to honor Jon’s memory, consider supporting the work he dedicated his life to. But beyond that, take a moment to appreciate the stories around you—the ones being told, and the ones waiting to be heard. Jon Miskowski spent his life amplifying those stories, and in doing so, he left the world a little brighter. Thank you, Jon. We’ll carry your legacy forward.
How to Contribute:
- Share your memories of Jon via email at [emailprotected].
- Make a memorial gift in his honor here.
