John Decker

Director of Programming

As the director of programming for KPBS, John has been instrumental in increasing the public service mission of KPBS through local news, information, and programming. He joined KPBS as All Things Considered host in 1995 and has made his way to director of programming by learning every aspect of the public media business. John has been the program director for KPBS Radio since 1998 and began overseeing the television programming in 2009.

John has increased KPBS’ local programming through the creation of the content curation project KPBS Explore that has brought over 30 multimedia program series and more than 500 individual episodes to life including Ken Kramer’s About San Diego, Crossing South, for television, Only Here and San Diego News Matters podcasts, and Where I Come From Facebook series. He has been executive producer of numerous award-winning local programs including These Days (now KPBS Midday Edition), A Way With Words, and KPBS/arts. You will often see and hear John on KPBS television and radio as pledge host and announcer. John has more than 25 years of experience in radio, news, multimedia production, and public media.

John is currently a member director on the NPR Board of Directors. He has a Master's in Telecommunications and Media Management from San Diego State University. He earned his Bachelor's in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Before joining KPBS, John worked in programming and operations at Wisconsin Public Radio. He worked for Robert Greenwald Film Productions and West Coast-East Coast Productions in Los Angeles, and as a production coordinator for Lance Benefield Company in Milwaukee.

John enjoys spending time with his daughter Karolina and wife Malin. His hobbies include running, traveling, and lounging in the backyard.

California Senate President Sues Governor Schwarzenegger

Aug. 11, 2009: By Alan Ray, John Decker, Nick Stoffel

There have been reports California's state senate leader was planning to file a lawsuit against Governor Schwarzenegger. We asked non-partisan Sacramento Political Consultant Leo McElroy what Democratic Leader Darrell Steinberg is trying to do.

Memorial Service for Slain Border Patrol Agent Takes Place Today

July 31, 2009: By Dwane Brown, John Decker, Nick Stoffel

A large gathering of family and law enforcement are expected this morning in El Centro to pay tribute to a Border Patrol agent. Joining us on Morning Edition is Brad Jennings, Editor of the Imperial Valley Press.

A New Fiscal Year Brings IOU Distribution

June 30, 2009: By Dwane Brown, John Decker, Nick Stoffel

The California Senate has approved a Democratic budget-balancing plan, but it faces a certain veto from Governor Schwarzenegger. We're joined on Morning Edition by non-partisan Sacramento Political Consultant Leo McElroy.

Padres Win First Series in a Month

June 29, 2009: By Dwane Brown, John Decker, Nick Stoffel

The San Diego Padres have won their first series in a month. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times Sports Columnist Jay Paris.

An Early Look at California's Special Election

March 10, 2009: By Alison St John, John Decker and KPBS Public Broadcasting

California voters will debate several proposition measures when they head to the polls in May for a special election. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy