The Carole Kneeland Project announced that Emily Barr, retired president and CEO of Graham Media Group; Jack N. Goodman, broadcast attorney; and Blaise Labbe, group news director for Sinclair Broadcast Group and a former Kneeland Fellow, will join the Kneeland Project board of directors. “All three bring extensive and unique experiences to the nonprofit’s board.”
Emily Barr retired in 2022 after a 43-year career in broadcast television, the last 10 of which she spent as president and chief executive officer of Graham Media Group. During her tenure, she led seven local markets, representing just over 7% coverage of the U.S. Barr started her career as a news editor and held roles in every aspect of television news, including testifying before key Senate and House committees regarding the critical importance of local journalism to the health of our democracy.
“I have long admired and appreciated the work of the Carole Kneeland Project and am looking forward to supporting the ongoing training of television news journalists across the country,” Barr said. “Nothing is more foundational to our democracy than a free and fair press. I am excited to be working with this esteemed organization as we support a critical underpinning of our democracy.”
Jack N. Goodman has represented broadcasters, the broadcasting industry and other communications providers before the FCC, Congress, the Supreme Court and other courts for more than 40 years. Prior to opening his own practice, he was senior vice president and general counsel of the National Association of Broadcasters. He also currently is co-chair of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.
“I am very happy to join the board of the Kneeland Project,” said Goodman. “At a time when journalism is under almost unprecedented attack, training journalists to maintain the highest standards of their profession is fundamentally important to preserving the role of the press and our great First Amendment tradition.”
Blaise Labbe attended the second Kneeland class in 2002, when he was the assistant news director at KENS-TV San Antonio. He also previously served on Kneeland’s board, ending his term in 2012. In his current role as a group news director for Sinclair, Labbe oversees the news operations in 12 Sinclair markets in five states. In addition to his experience as a news leader, Blaise has also held many newsroom roles over the years. In 2024 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
“The Kneeland project has been the most meaningful Leadership training I experienced,” Labbe said. “What I learned at Kneeland built a foundation that has guided my career as a leader. You are provided with practical tools you can utilize the day you walk back into your newsroom. The program sets early career leaders on a pathway to success.”
The Carole Kneeland Project – named after a legendary Austin, Texas news director who exemplified ethical leadership and responsible journalism – marked its 25th anniversary last year.
Barr, Goodman and Labbe replace Rashida Jones, former president of MSNBC; Ross Ramsey, co-founder and former executive editor of the Texas Tribune; and Roberto Yanez, president and regional general manager of TelevisaUnivision. All three served full five-year terms.
