PBS Hawaii Names Susan Yim Managing Editor for Nation’s First Statewide Student News Network

Susan Yim

Veteran Journalist Signs On to Launch Hiki Nō, A  Bold, New Collaboration with Public, Private and Charter Schools

Media Release:

PBS Hawaii, the islands’ public television station, announced today that respected reporter and editor, Susan Yim, has been selected as Managing Editor for the station’s major education initiative, Hiki Nō.

This is the first of two upcoming announcements, as Hawaii’s only public television broadcaster and private non-profit formally launches a multi-media initiative and statewide education model that will be the first of its kind in the country.

Yim’s role will be crucial  in establishing collaboration among schools and maintaining editorial standards of stories produced by the students for prominent placement on PBS Hawaii ’s broadcast schedule and web platforms beginning early next year.  Yim spent 20 years in daily journalism as a reporter and editor and later worked with nonprofits and businesses to improve the way they tell stories about what they do.

“Sue will draw upon a wealth of experience to work for a better future,” Leslie Wilcox , PBS Hawaii ’s President and CEO, said.

Wilcox said, “Hiki Nō will unify Hawaii ’s students in developing skills for the 21st-century workforce, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication.  School teams will lead the nation in shaping statewide newscasts in an inclusive ‘virtual newsroom.’”

Hiki Nō (the Hawaiian phrase for “can do”) has been presented independently to the leadership of the Hawaii ’s public and charter schools, as well as the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, and received their enthusiastic support.  The program augments and expands what schools are able to do, overcoming geographical and economic barriers.

“Hiki Nō gives our students an opportunity to be first,” Yim said.  “They will create the model, and in the process learn and use the skills they’ll need to be successful, engaged citizens of the 21st century.”

Next week PBS Hawaii will hold a news conference with further details, including timeline and funding.  The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is the first funder, giving PBS Hawaii one of the two largest grants of their kind last year in support of launching Hiki Nō.