Ernie Manouse's Bio
“(Ernie is) among the best interviewers I had ever experienced. His intellect, charm and charisma make for television that is informative and entertaining. In the course of conducting a superb interview, he conveys his talent, humor, intelligence, compassion, understanding and wit."
-Walter Cronkite
Ernie Manouse, a native of Binghamton, NY and a graduate of
Loyola University Chicago, launched his broadcasting career with NBC News
before producing programs at Chicago radio station WLS-AM. In 1996, Ernie
joined HoustonPBS, and as an anchor and producer, he has garnered three Emmy
Awards, five KATIE Awards, a Houston Press Club Lone Star Award, “viewer’s
choice” recognition from multiple local and regional publications, and the title
of “Ultimate Interviewer” from the Houston
Chronicle.
His intellect, natural curiosity, and ability to help people
tell their story have been hallmarks of Ernie’s many television projects. InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, an
Emmy-nominated and nationally broadcast interview series will enter its ninth
season in March 2011. His weekly program Houston
8 explores stories and issues of importance to the Houston community.
He has also hosted and produced WeekNight Edition, A
Mother’s Account: The Stella Byrd Interview, The After Party, The Last 24,
A Conversation on RACE, and the
HoustonPBS Spelling Bee, and has moderated debates of both Houston mayoral and Texas
U.S. Senate candidates.
Ernie’s commitment to public television extends beyond
creating compelling programs. As a pledge spokesman, he is instrumental in
raising over $2 million annually for HoustonPBS, and his talent has helped PBS
affiliates across the country raise tens of millions of dollars in support of
educational outreach, broadcasting, and programming needs. Three of public
television’s most successful national pledge specials have been hosted by
Ernie.
Outside of the television studio, Ernie dedicates tremendous
time and expertise in support of the arts, education, and equality. He has worked
on numerous boards, serving terms as vice-president for all of the following
organizations: Stages Repertory Theatre; Dominic Walsh Dance Theater; USO of
Greater Houston; PRIDE Houston; and PRIDE Fest Film Festival. Additionally,
Ernie is a popular master of ceremonies, host and auctioneer for events as
diverse as The Pride Parade, the U.S. Military Ball, Houston Grand Opera, and the
“Big Board” at the Cattle Baron’s Ball.
Ernie and his cat Champ
reside in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston.
2011 will mark 25 years of public life for Ernie Manouse – who knows what the next 25 will bring?
For more information on Ernie and his work, visit ErnieOnTV.com