Ernie Manouse

Senior Producer / Host

Ernie Manouse, a native of Binghamton, NY and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, launched his broadcasting career with NBC News before working at Chicago radio station WLS-AM. In 1996, Ernie joined HoustonPBS (now Houston Public Media), and as an anchor and producer, he has garnered eleven 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 stories have been hallmarks of Ernie’s many television projects – InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, an Emmy-nominated and nationally broadcast interview series, entered its 15th season in 2016; his weekly program Arts InSight,  which explores stories and issues of importance to Houston arts lovers; and recently, Manouse wrapped production on the fourth and final season of the 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; and the annual Houston Public Media Spelling Bee.  Additionally, Ernie has moderated numerous televised debates for Council, Mayoral and U.S. Senatorial candidates.  Manouse can be seen nationally as co-host to finance expert Suze Orman’s on her bi-annual PBS programs – the most successful series of fund-raising special in the history of PBS.

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 Houston Public Media, and his talents have helped PBS affiliates across the country raise over 100 million dollars 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 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 Q Fest Film Festival. Ernie is also a popular master of ceremonies, host 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.  On stage, Ernie can also be seen with Al Pacino in the stage presentation PACINO: One Night Only, where Manouse interviews the acting icon to help raise money and awareness for various arts organizations across the country.

Ernie and his cats Champ and Scout reside in Houston’s historic Fourth Ward.

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