Kenneth Tomlinson was born on March 8, 1944, in Virginia. He began his career as a journalist, working as a reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch in his early years. During the 1960s, he served as a correspondent for Reader's Digest, covering the Vietnam War and gaining valuable experience in the field of journalism.
Tomlinson's career in journalism led to a series of prestigious appointments in government and media. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as Voice of America Director, Chairman of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and member of the Board for International Broadcasting.
In addition to his government roles, Tomlinson also served as Chairman of the Board for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). During his time at the CPB, Tomlinson faced controversy for his alleged involvement in illegal and unethical activities to advance a conservative point of view in television programs supported by CPB funding. This ultimately led to his resignation from the position in 2005.
In 1975, Kenneth Tomlinson married Rebecca Moore. The couple went on to have two sons, forming a happy and loving family unit.
Throughout his career, Tomlinson's dedication to journalism and public service was evident. Despite the controversies that surrounded him, he remained committed to his work and his beliefs, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of media and government.