CapRadio Board Appoints Tom Karlo, Longtime Public Broadcasting Executive, as Interim General Manager
Sacramento, CA – Aug. 9, 2023: The Capital Public Radio Board of Directors on Tuesday, Aug. 8, appointed Tom Karlo as the organization’s interim general manager. He is to begin work at the NPR Member station on Aug. 15.
Karlo has a long record of success in public broadcasting, leading KPBS in San Diego to prominence through innovation, growth and platform integration. Serving as general manager of KPBS from 2009 through 2020, he oversaw significant growth, adding weekly television newscasts and digital news to its radio content. When Karlo retired from KPBS in 2020, the organization boasted more than 30 platforms, including four television channels, 89.5 FM, KPBS.org and several social media channels.
He has worked at all levels of public broadcasting, including production, operations, business and finance and fundraising.
“Tom is a distinguished professional with an impressive background in public broadcasting, and he shares our deep commitment to CapRadio’s public mission,” said Andrea Clark, board chair at CapRadio. “We are confident in his ability to lead the organization during this time of transition.”
Karlo comes to CapRadio at a time of transition, filling the position previously held by Jun Reina, and as CapRadio anticipates completion of its new facility in downtown Sacramento. CapRadio is a Sac State auxiliary and operates under the University’s broadcasting license. (KPBS has a similar licensing relationship with San Diego State University.)
CapRadio is also making operational adjustments to strengthen processes and streamline finances. Sacramento State is providing budgeting and financial support during the transition.
Karlo’s leadership has spanned public radio and public television. He has served on the PBS Board of Directors, Public Television Major Market Group and the California Public Television Board of Directors. He was honored in 2016 as PBS Development Professional of the Year, twice was named one of the top 500 business leaders in San Diego and led a three-year capital campaign that raised nearly $70 million, according to KPBS.
“Throughout my 47-year career in public media, CapRadio was a guiding light for all of us in California, keeping us informed on what was happening in state government,” Karlo said. “It’s an honor for me to have a chance to serve as an interim general manager as the Board of Directors look for a permanent leader and make sure that CapRadio continues to provide quality, fact-based, trusted, unbiased journalism and high-quality music and arts programming to not only the community of Sacramento and Northern California, but to the entire state.”
About CapRadio
CapRadio serves California’s Capital Region, Central Valley and Sierra Nevada as the public-supported alternative to for-profit media. As the NPR Member station based in Sacramento, CapRadio connects with communities through seven broadcast stations, live streaming, podcasts, digital communities, live experiences and more. Known for its award-winning newsroom, CapRadio is recognized as a leader in community-engaged journalism and state government reporting, and CapRadio Music is the exclusive broadcast source of classical and jazz in the region. With more than 500,000 weekly listeners on-air and online, CapRadio provides a trusted and indispensable source of information, music and events.
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CONTACT:
Shirlee Tully
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