• by Val Brickates Kennedy , May 13, 2014

WGBH, PBS's largest content producer, has named a major player in the tech VC world as chairman of its board of trustees.

The public television juggernaut said that Rick Burnes will assume the role of chairman, succeeding Cablevision founder and fellow venture capitalist Amos Hostetter, who take on the title of chairman emeritus. Burnes joined WGBH's board in 2010 and was named vice chairman in 2013.

Burnes is a co-founder and partner of Cambridge-based Charles River Ventures, or CRV, one of the tech industry's most successful VC firms. Founded in 1970, the group has established an enviable track record of investing in early-stage tech, communications and media companies such as Twitter.

WGBH, meanwhile, has evolved into a formidable producer of digital content, much of which is associated with its popular children's  programming. In addition to operating several TV and radio stations, the organization also produces most of PBS's best loved shows, including Frontline, Nova, Masterpiece, This Old House, Antiques Roadshow, Curious George and Arthur. 

“This is a time of major innovation and disruption in the world of media and how people access content seems to change daily. Rick understands the changes and is positioned to lead WGBH into the constantly evolving future," said WGBH President and Chief Executive Officer Jon Abbott, in a statement.

In addition to WGBH, Burnes is a trustee and former chairman of Boston's Museum of Science. He is also chairman of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of New England and vice chairman of the Sea Education Association.