“Sowing Seeds of Compassion”
Compassionate Houston’s 2024 Annual Luncheon presents Emcee
Ernie Manouse, Senior Producer/HostHouston Public Media – PBS/NPR
Eleven-time Emmy Award winner Ernie Manouse recently wrapped Houston Public Media’s highly successful daily radio show Town Square with Ernie Manouse; produced and hosted one of the most successful new national fundraising special (The Great American After Show) for PBS’ August 2023 drive; moderated a panel at the United Nations on the current state of Democracy in today’s world; and received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival… 2023 turned out to be one of Manouse’s busiest and most successful years to date.
A native of Binghamton, NY, and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Manouse started his broadcasting career split between television (with NBC News) and radio (working for iconic Chicago radio station WLS-AM). In 1996, Ernie joined Houston Public Media, as an anchor and producer.
Over the years, in addition to his Emmy Awards, Manouse has garnered five KATIE Awards, a Houston Press Club Lone Star Award, “Viewer’s Choice” recognition from multiple local and regional publications (including 19 years as Outsmart Magazine’s “Gayest & Greatest local TV personality”), and the title of “Ultimate Interviewer” from the Houston Chronicle.
His wit, natural curiosity, and ability to help people tell their stories have been hallmarks of Ernie’s many projects, such as InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, the Emmy-nominated and nationally-broadcast interview series, which ran for 15 seasons; and his nationally syndicated and widely successful Downton Abbey-inspired talk show Manor of Speaking.
For the last 27 years, Manouse has also hosted and produced such series as WeekNight Edition, and The After Party; and the list of list of award winning special and documentaries he has created include A Mother’s Account: The Stella Byrd Interview; The Last 24; A Murder in Montrose; Houston in Black and White; Getting Here: Journeys from Vietnam, and the annual Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. As an accomplished moderator, Ernie has hosted numerous televised debates for City Council, Mayoral, and U.S. Senate candidates.
Ernie’s commitment to public media extends beyond creating compelling programing. As a PBS/NPR spokesperson, he has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for Houston Public Media, and his talents have helped PBS affiliates across the country raise over $100 million in support of educational outreach, broadcasting, and programming needs. Additionally, Manouse can be seen nationally as co-host to finance expert Suze Orman on her numerous Public Broadcasting specials – the most successful series of fundraising shows in PBS history.
Outside of the media, Ernie dedicates his time and expertise in support of the arts, education, and equality, serving on numerous boards - including terms as vice president for Stages Repertory Theatre, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, USO of Greater Houston, and PRIDE Houston. Ernie is also a popular host, master of ceremonies, and auctioneer, working with events as diverse as The Pride Parade, the U.S. Military Ball, and Houston Grand Opera. For the last several years, Ernie has toured the country interviewing Al Pacino for the live stage show PACINO: One Night Only.
Ernie and his cats Scout & Dash make their home in Houston’s historic Fourth Ward.