Longtime U.S. international broadcasting executive John Lennon will be retiring from the Voice of America (VOA) the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) at the end of the year. He is currently VOA’s Associate Director of Strategy and Planning and reports to VOA Director David Ensor. An entry about him on the VOA website says that in his position he works closely with the VOA Director and his management team, and with the senior staff of the BBG on strategies and plans for advancing the mission of VOA in a new era of U.S. international broadcasting. John Lennon is married to Marie Lennon Skiba who is the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) Director Richard Lobo’s chief of staff.
VOA Director David Ensor issued the following announcement about John Lennon’s retirement:

From the VOA Director
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Colleagues,
After 44 years of distinguished service in U.S. international broadcasting, John Lennon has decided to retire. Since my arrival a little over a year ago, I have relied heavily on John’s advice on a wide range of issues that impact the future direction of the Voice of America.
There is a reason I asked John to be VOA’s first Associate Director of Strategy and Planning, a job that requires working closely with me and senior VOA and BBG management on planning and implementing our strategic direction. His body of work—a most impressive career as a broadcast journalist, producer and senior manager—made him the ideal choice. Before he took on his new role last January, John had served for four years as Associate Director for Language Programming, overseeing programming for VOA’s 43 language services. Prior to that, he was the Director of the Office of Performance Review since 2000, and for extended periods was IBB’s Acting Associate Director for Program Support. During that time, John expanded the use of audience research and market analysis in the development of programming initiatives and helped establish the Office of Marketing and Program Placement.
John’s extensive experience also included his service as Deputy Director of the Latin American and European Divisions, Director of the South European Division, and Acting Director of WORLDNET Television. He served at the National Security Council in 1994-95 as a Director in the Office of Democracy. In addition, John’s early career included assignments as a radio producer, writer, reporter, and editor. Throughout the years, John has volunteered to provide professional guidance to young employees through the Agency’s mentoring program.
No one has a keener understanding of all aspects of U.S. international broadcasting, and no one believes more in our mission and the importance of providing trusted news and information to our worldwide audiences.
John’s last day with us will be December 28. We plan to have farewell party for him before then. Please join us in wishing John all the best in his retirement.
Sincerely,
David Ensor