WALTER CRONKITE
Emmy Nominated Ernie Manouse has been making a name for himself on the national scene, most recently by beating out both Oprah Winfrey and Ted Koppel in securing the only interview granted by Stella Byrd, the mother of Jasper dragging death victim James Byrd, Jr. A native of Binghamton, New York and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Manouse started with NBC Network News, then moved into radio with WLS in Chicago, and back to TV at HoustonPBS. With a naturally inquisitive nature, and a gift for gab, Ernie has worked his way through all aspects of talk – from producing a sex therapy show to hosting his own brand of chat and magazine programs.
Manouse can also be seen on PBS Stations across the country hosting numerous pledge and entertainment specials, including “Haley’s Hints” & “Suze Orman’s Laws of Money”. Houstonians know Ernie best from his six years hosting and producing the daily magazine program WeekNight Edition (which evolved into WeekDAY). These shows became Houston’s most celebrated local television program, earning multiple EMMY, KATIE, and Houston Press Club awards. Internationally, Ernie is featured on the Houston episode of PrideVision’s world travel show “BUMP!”
In 2001 and in 2003, Manouse had the rare distinction of being nominated against himself in the “Outstanding Interview/Talk Show” category in the seven state regional Dallas Press Club Awards. For the last two years, Manouse has taken that prize for the shows “Nature vs. Nurture”, and “A Mother’s Account: The Stella Byrd Interview”.
In his off-time, Ernie keeps busy working within the community by donating his time to several causes. He has become a popular Master of Ceremonies and Host for events as diverse as The Pride Parade, the U.S. Military Ball, and the Cattle Baron’s Ball. In 1999, Ernie was rider #1000 in the Texas AIDSRide 2, cycling from Houston to Dallas in 4 days. Manouse serves on the advisory board of both STAGES Theatre, and the Dominic Walsh Dance Company, in addition to being Vice President of both The Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and The USO of Greater Houston.
In October 2002, Ernie helped to create, producer and host the new primetime magazine "the connection", which airs every Tuesday at 9pm on HoustonPBS. Combining field stories and lively conversation, the show focuses on the people and issues that are important to Houstonians.
In 2004, Manouse began hosting a second series “InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse”, airing Thursday nights at 10pm, on HoustonPBS. This show has been so well received on the local level, that plans are in motion to offer it up nationally to other public broadcasting stations this summer. The show takes Ernie back to what he loves doing best – unedited, one on one interviews with noted personalities.
