ATHENS, Ohio -- A current series being broadcast nationally on Public Broadcasting Service has an Ohio University connection. Jennifer Lawson, who will be a Rufus Putnam Professor at Ohio University next fall, is the executive producer of "AFRICA," a series of eight one-hour programs on contemporary life on the continent.
"AFRICA," which premiered in 129 countries Sept. 9, runs for eight consecutive Sundays. WOUB is airing the programs from 8 to 9 p.m.
Lawson will join Ohio University for five weeks during fall quarter 2002. She will teach a two-hour course, "The Executive Producer," as well as an intensive grant-writing workshop for television producers.
The Rufus Putnam Visiting Professorship is designed to bring to Athens distinguished individuals who have attained wide recognition based upon artistic, engineering, literary, historical or scientific achievement. Since 1990, more than 20 Putnam Professors from around the world have visited campus for periods ranging from two weeks to two quarters.
Lawson became the first African-American woman to head the programming division of a major U.S. television network when she was named executive vice president for national programming and promotion at PBS in 1989. In 1990, Entertainment Weekly cited her as one of the "101 Most Influential People in Entertainment." Four years later, she appeared on The Hollywood Reporter's list of the "Power 50," the 50 most influential women in entertainment. Lawson is now a producer and consultant based in Washington, D.C., where she heads Magic Box Mediaworks, Inc. She graduated from Columbia University in 1974 with a master's degree in film production.
"Jennifer Lawson brings a breadth of experience to the School of Telecommunications and the College of Communication," said Kathy Krendl, dean of the College of Communication. "Her recent experience as executive producer of 'AFRICA' will provide timely and visible examples of her work. Students and faculty will benefit from the many formal and informal opportunities for interaction during her visit."
