Ernie Manouse - Houston Public Media 

Eleven-time Emmy Award winner Ernie Manouse currently hosts and executive produces Houston Public Media’s daily radio program/podcast Town Square with Ernie Manouse,

Manouse is 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 PBS (now 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, 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 television projects, such as InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, an Emmy-nominated and nationally-broadcast interview series, which ran for 15 seasons; his weekly program Arts InSight, which explored issues of importance to Houston arts lovers; and his nationally-syndicated and widely successful Downton Abbey-inspired talk show Manor of Speaking.

Manouse has also hosted and produced the series WeekNight Edition, The After Party, and Houston 8. The list of 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.  Additionally, Ernie has moderated numerous televised debates for Council, Mayoral, and U.S. Senate candidates.  Manouse can be seen nationally as co-host to finance expert Suze Orman on her bi-annual PBS programs – the most successful series of fundraising specials in PBS history.

Ernie’s commitment to public television extends beyond creating compelling programs. As a pledge spokesman, 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.

Outside of television, Ernie dedicates tremendous time and expertise in support of the arts, education, and equality. He has served on numerous boards, including terms as vice president for Stages Repertory Theatre, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, USO of Greater Houston, PRIDE Houston, and Q Fest. 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, Houston Grand Opera, and the “Big Board” at the Cattle Baron’s Ball. For the last seven years, Manouse has been touring with Al Pacino in PACINO: One Night Only, a live show where Manouse interviews the acting icon to help raise money and awareness for various arts organizations across the country.

Ernie and his cats Champ & Scout make their home in Houston’s historic Fourth Ward.