Interim GM Tom Karlo Steps Down After Stabilizing CapRadio’s Core Business Operations
Sacramento, CA - February 15, 2024: Interim President and General Manager Tom Karlo informed the CapRadio Board of Directors on Thursday, Feb. 15, that he is stepping down. Karlo’s last day is Feb. 29. The board of directors, who were informed of Karlo’s decision during an emergency session, has appointed Frank Maranzino as the new interim president and general manager. Maranzino currently serves as CapRadio’s Director of Technology.
Karlo came out of retirement on Aug.15, 2023, after a storied 47-year career at KPBS, the San Diego public media organization, to lead CapRadio through what he described as “the greatest challenge of my professional career.” As CapRadio — an auxiliary of Sacramento State — faced an unprecedented financial crisis, Karlo helped stabilize the organization over the next six months by reducing expenses and streamlining operations while making changes to increase revenue and reverse the trend of a declining news radio audience.
“I want to thank Tom for his dedicated leadership and service to CapRadio over the past several months. Unquestionably, he has done a meritorious job in helping to save CapRadio,” said Sacramento State President Luke Wood. “Under Tom’s guidance, the station tackled significant challenges and has emerged on a much stronger foundation. Listenership is up, donations are up, our contract with NPR is now secured through 2028, he’s helped pave the way for rightsizing the budget, and CapRadio sounds better than ever before. Tom worked tirelessly to stabilize operations and rally community support during a difficult time. Ten years from now, when we look back and CapRadio is still going strong, it will be because of Tom Karlo’s time as GM at CapRadio.”
After difficult but necessary staff reductions, Karlo focused resources on improving the core broadcast audience services, helping to deliver more local news and arts and culture coverage. During his tenure, CapRadio received a 20% increase in radio listenership, including a 30% increase in its most loyal listeners. He initiated efforts to improve the sound of the news station, including a new one-voice anchor format during the flagship NPR shows Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Karlo also placed renewed emphasis on membership and corporate development efforts, personally meeting with donors and local businesses to help rebuild community trust. CapRadio membership revenue increased 12% and new members grew by 50% year over year. Membership support now accounts for nearly 70% of CapRadio’s annual funding, which has been instrumental in helping the public media organization navigate its current financial challenges.
While Karlo was able to make an immediate impact in stabilizing core business operations, CapRadio is still in a precarious financial position due to its debt obligations and two 15-year leases at the yet-to-be-occupied new headquarters and events venue in downtown Sacramento.
“This moment is bittersweet for me,” Karlo said. “CapRadio is in a much better place than it was six months ago, but there is still a long road ahead for the organization. That being said, it has been an honor to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people in all of public media, and I am confident in the future of CapRadio in their hands. I am grateful to President Wood and Sacramento State for all of their support, because CapRadio would not have a future without them.”
About CapRadio
CapRadio serves California’s Capital Region, Central Valley and Sierra Nevada as a 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 state government reporting and community-engaged journalism, and CapRadio Music is the exclusive broadcast source of classical and jazz in the region. As the managing operators of NSPR in Chico and KHSU in Humboldt, more than 550,000 people each week choose CapRadio as a valued source of news, storytelling, music and events. CapRadio is a Sacramento State auxiliary and operates under the University’s broadcasting license.
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CONTACT:
Chris Bruno
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