Sally Shaum will retire from PBS Utah effective January 14, 2025, after having served for more than 30 years as one of PBS Utah’s Directors and Producers.
Shaum was drawn to stories about social justice and the underserved, with an emphasis on building empathy, compassion, and connection.
“One of the things that we will most miss about Sally as she retires is her tremendous empathy,” said James Davie, PBS Utah’s Station Manager. “It's part of what has made her work stand apart and made her a great storyteller as well as colleague.
Shaum has told stories both cultural and historical, and produced and directed documentaries on Utah’s children, refugee youth, the Southern Paiutes of Utah, war veterans, and the homeless. Shaum directed, edited, and co-produced Homeless at the End, a documentary on the challenges of Utah’s homeless when they confront their own mortality, and served as producer of the PBS Utah documentary, The Gerda That Remains. Shaum is the recipient of several awards, including from NETA, the Society of Professional Journalists, and multiple Rocky Mountain Emmys for her production excellence.
“Sally’s work at PBS Utah spans decades, varying subject matter, differing social backgrounds, and evolving media. But her work also features one consistent theme: a commitment to the heart of the story,” said Producer Kelton Wells. “Her impact on PBS Utah, KUED, and the broader community cannot be overstated. We’re all lucky to have been partners and benefactors of her talent these past 35 years.”
Post-retirement, Shaum plans to work on her 1926 bungalow, and get back into music. “I also plan to wildly wander and hike the Pacific North West,” Shaum said. “And finally, retirement allows me to catch up on my seemingly endless list of classic and independent films. Butter and popcorn, mmm!”
