Meet the Team

Leon Messenie

Director of Engineering

Leon Messenie is a former KPBS staff member.

Leon Messenie has worked in the engineering department at KPBS for 32 years and currently serves as the Director of Engineering. Leon has also worked as a freelance engineer for several media networks, specializing in sports audio engineering. Leon Messenie started his career in the commercial broadcasting industry at KREX Grand Junction, Colorado. He then moved on to KTNV and KVBC in Las Vegas, Nevada before moving to San Diego and joining KPBS. Leon is a past member of the PBS Enterprise Technology Advisory Committee where he served as Chairman for four years.

RECENT STORIES ON KPBS

New Potatoes | Milk Street TV Season 8, Episode 11

From roasted to mashed, Milk Street gives potatoes a makeover! Christopher Kimball visits Türkiye, where he learns a recipe for cheesy Turkish Mashed Potatoes. Then, Wes Martin prepares Patatas Bravas, where he shares tips for getting perfectly crisp potatoes without deep-frying. Finally, Rosemary Gill brings out the spice with Suya-Spiced Roasted Potatoes with Tomato-Chili Relish.
National

Texas flash flood recovery effort turns its focus to lakes

Martin Kaste

With 101 people still missing after the July 4 flash flood, the focus turns to local lakes, and what may be buried in them.
Tommy Emmanuel (CGP): Live at the Sydney Opera House

Jennifer Robinson

Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 and 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport + Encore Sunday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. on KPBS 2. Join the guitar virtuoso for magical performances in his native Australia recorded in May 2023. Featuring his beloved songs “Tall Fiddler,” “Mombasa,” and “Country Wide,” plus an iconic arrangement of “Classical Gas” and a thrilling Beatles medley.
Politics

U.S. senator wants DOGE out of sensitive payment system for farmers

Jenna McLaughlin

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., wants the USDA to revoke high-level access granted to the Department of Government Efficiency to a database that controls payments and loans to farmers and ranchers.
Tommy Emmanuel (CGP): Live at the Sydney Opera House: Preview

Join the man considered to be one of the greatest living guitarists for a magical concert at the Sydney Opera House in his native Australia recorded in May 2023. The setlist showcases his most beloved songs like “Tall Fiddler,” “Mombasa,” and “Country Wide,” plus an iconic arrangement of “Classical Gas,” and a thrilling Beatles medley.
Environment

Chula Vista sin emergencia de basura — hasta ahora

John Carroll

Chula Vista’s city manager said she’s ready to declare an emergency if the increasing trash becomes a health hazard.