United States

Jonathan Barzilay

Director New York

Jonathan Barzilay serves as the director of the foundation's Freedom of Expression work, managing our support for public-service journalism; media access and policies that ensure a fair and open Internet; artists, cultural institutions and emerging arts spaces; and religion in the public sphere.

Jonathan joined the Ford Foundation in 2011, bringing 25 years of experience as a leader in network television and online and interactive programming, as well as an extensive history of work as a First Amendment lawyer. He has held senior management positions at ABC, CBS, and Qualcomm's FLO TV.

Before coming to the foundation, Jonathan was senior vice president and head of content at FLO TV since 2008. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and general manager at CBS Interactive, overseeing the online entertainment business for the network. Previously, Jonathan was senior vice president at Disney/ABC Cable Networks and general manager at Toon Disney and ABC Kids, among numerous other management posts over 15-years at Disney/ABC.

Jonathan began his career as an attorney in private practice in New York, focusing on entertainment law and First Amendment issues. He received his A.B. from Harvard University and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.

Issues and Initiatives

Jonathan Barzilay manages the strategy, foundationwide for the following initiatives:

Issue	Initiative
Freedom of Expression	Supporting Diverse Arts Spaces Advancing Public Service Media Advancing Media Rights and Access Religion in the Public Sphere Exploring Issues of Justice Through Media