Remembering John Franklin Swope, Dedicated Leader of Public Media

Durham, NH (May 1, 2025) – New Hampshire PBS is deeply saddened to announce the passing of John Franklin Swope, a dedicated and influential figure who served in multiple key leadership roles, both locally for New Hampshire PBS and nationally for PBS. John F. Swope passed away on April 29, 2025 at the age of 87 in Concord, New Hampshire.

John Swope’s first experience with New Hampshire PBS was in the 1980s when he was asked to chair the capital campaign that funded the building of the broadcast center where the station resides today.

“At the time, the station was in the Memorial Union Building on the campus of UNH,” said Swope in a 2000 interview. “It was under the bowling alley and recording had to stop because of the rumble of the bowling ball.”

Swope was an integral steward of New Hampshire Public Television, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public media throughout his service. He served as a valued member of the New Hampshire Public Television’s Board of Directors as past chair and served as Board Director Emeritus until his passing.

On July 1, 1995 the USNH Board of Trustees appointed Swope as interim President and CEO of New Hampshire Public Television, until the new general manager, Peter A. Frid, was hired in March 1996.

“John was an inspiring mentor and friend,” said Frid. “He had a passion for the ‘public’ in public television and made sure that I connected with Granite Staters on every level. I looked forward to our regular check-ins over the years.”

Swope’s commitment to public broadcasting extended beyond the state level when he answered the call to serve as a PBS board member. On November 1, 1999, Mr. Swope stepped forward to serve as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of PBS, the national Public Broadcasting Service organization.

Mr. Swope's willingness to assume this critical leadership role during a time of transition underscored his deep commitment to the mission of public broadcasting on a national scale.

“John was a business leader who understood the importance of community, culture and the arts,” reflected NHPBS Board Chair Jeff Gilbert. “Many institutions, including NHPBS, would not be the going concerns they are today without his support, guidance and mentorship.”

In a 2020 interview, Swope fondly remembered watching PBS as a child growing up in New York. “I used to watch PBS as a kid on a black and white TV set. I’ve always appreciated how much programs like NOVA and American Experience have educated me throughout my life. I believe that PBS has the best product on television. The quality of the content is unmatched by commercial television.”

In recognition of John Swope's contributions, New Hampshire PBS launched the John Swope Legacy Society. “For many years, I have supported the station as a Granite Society member, provided seed money for local programming and included the station in my estate plans,” said Swope in a 2020 interview.  “I strongly believe in the promise of public television and its power to connect communities through trusted news and local programs like Windows to the Wild. I want future generations to have access to this state treasure.” 

John Franklin Swope had been a resident of Concord, NH, for 62 years and a lifetime summer resident of Woods Hole, MA. Born in Mount Kisco, NY, June 21, 1938, he was the son of Gerard Swope Jr. and Marjorie Lincoln (Park) Swope. He was a graduate of Tabor Academy (1956), Amherst College (1960), and Yale Law School (1963).

New Hampshire PBS extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of John F. Swope. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting legacy on our organization, the broader public media landscape and the arts and culture community of the Granite State.

 Photo: Ken Burns and John F. Swope at a 2011 NHPBS event.

Pressroom Contact

Carla Gordon Russell
Director of Communications
crussell@nhpbs.org
(603) 868-4339