Public broadcasting beats as the heart of a community. As Rhode Island’s only public television station, RI PBS has faithfully delivered entertainment, local stories, educational content, and reliable news since 1967. Through the constant evolution of the media landscape, RI PBS has withstood challenges and embraced new opportunities with the support of its legal partner, Hinckley Allen. For over twenty-five years, Hinckley Allen has provided RI PBS with strategic legal counsel and practical solutions, including corporate governance, non-profit management and real estate and financing matters, informing its past and shaping the organization’s future.
Change has been a constant companion during the relationship between RI PBS and Hinckley Allen. The dynamic landscape of journalism, media, and broadcasting has provided no shortage of challenges to navigate, making this steadfast partnership even more valuable.
Hinckley Allen’s presence in Rhode Island, since its founding in 1906, offers its clients a team that lives and works where they do business. With a reputation for collaboration, the firm brings the right team to every deal ranging from seasoned negotiators to tax law specialists.
“The team at Hinckley Allen understands the importance of the work we do at Rhode Island PBS because they are not only our attorneys, but our neighbors, members, and viewers, too. Their roots in the communities we serve run deep and that kind of involvement informs and strengthens our work together,” said RI PBS President and CEO David W. Piccerelli.
The projects that Hinckley Allen and RI PBS have worked on have formed a strong foundation for future endeavors. Further, this close partnership allows for proactive strategic planning and quick responses to timely matters. During the merger with The Public Radio, the firm supported RI PBS as it navigated through the complex regulatory landscape surrounding broadcasting and public media, including a full review by the Rhode Island Attorney General under The Public Radio Conversions Act. Hinckley Allen’s extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and mergers and acquisitions provided the wraparound support that a dynamic organization like RI PBS requires.
“We are proud to be a strategic partner of RI PBS. Our deep understanding of its culture and values guides our work together to build a sustainable and robust future in public broadcasting. Helping RI PBS grow is both a commitment to our client and our community,” said Peggy Farrell, Partner and Chair of the Securities Law Group.
Hinckley Allen’s commitment to RI PBS extends beyond legal services, with attorneys from the firm supporting the organization on the board of directors. Nicholas A. Denice, a corporate attorney at the firm and treasurer of the board, said, “It takes a passionate group of people to preserve and grow an organization like Rhode Island PBS. My fellow board members and I are excited about the new opportunities ahead, including the merger with The Public Radio. Joining forces with TPR ensures that Rhode Islanders will continue to have access to high-quality, independent journalism for years to come.”
