Comings and goings: EP to leave ‘1A’, Radio Milwaukee promotes staff …
Allman
Rupert Allman, founding EP for 1A produced by WAMU in Washington, D.C., is leaving the program May 30.
Before launching the program in 2017, Allman was EP for The Takeaway produced by WNYC in New York. Before that, he worked for the BBC.
“Rupert’s influence has been felt not just in his work, but also in his passion and creativity,” said WAMU CCO Michael Tribble in a news release. “His commitment to innovation has significantly impacted WAMU’s editorial work and the entire public media system. We are deeply grateful for his contributions.”
Radio Milwaukee promoted three staffers.
Tarik Moody was named director of strategy and innovation. Moody joined Radio Milwaukee in 2007 and has hosted Rhythm Lab Radio and the podcasts This Bites, Diverse Disruptors and By Every Measure. He most recently worked as PD and director of digital operations for HYFIN, the station’s digital-first media platform featuring Urban Alternative programming.
Kenny Perez became PD of 88Nine, Radio Milwaukee’s primary Triple A music station. Perez joined Radio Milwaukee in 2016 and has been audio production manager, assistant PD and afternoon host. He will continue to host for 88Nine and HYFIN.
Element Everest-Blanks was promoted to PD of HYFIN. She joined Radio Milwaukee in 2021 as a host. Her most recent role was music director of HYFIN. She will continue to work as a daily host and lead a Sunday night segment.
The promotions coincide with Jordan Lee being named executive director of Radio Milwaukee.
WABE in Atlanta announced the launch of The City Lights Collective, a local arts-focused weekday program that debuts July 7.
The program will replace City Lights, currently hosted by Lois Reitzes, who is retiring in June.
Kim Drobes and Jon Goode will co-host the show. Drobes is currently managing producer of City Lights and has also been senior producer for the program. She began working for WABE in 2021 after holding several producing roles with The Clark Howard Show, which airs on commercial stations.
Goode is a playwright, poet and host of The Moth’s Atlanta events. He’s been a featured performer on HBO’s Def Poetry, TVOne’s Verses & Flow and BET’s Lyric Café.
A news release said The City Lights Collective will adopt a magazine-style format similar to NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Steve Bass, former CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting, is partnering with BIA Advisory Services to work as a consultant for public media organizations.
“The challenges go beyond the immediate possibility of a reduction or loss of government support through CPB,” Bass said on LinkedIn. “There’s the larger and scarier challenge of evolving rapidly to meet the radical changes that are occurring in the media ecosystem and the way that media is consumed.”
Bass stepped down from OPB last year after nearly 19 years leading the station. He was also CEO of Nashville Public Television, a VP at GBH in Boston and director of development and national corporate support for PBS.
Development
American Documentary, the production company behind the PBS series POV, hired Monica Ma as development officer for external affairs. Ma, a documentary filmmaker, previously worked in marketing for the Austin Film Society. She’s also worked in development for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and as a program associate for the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre. “I look forward to helping AmDoc strengthen its philanthropic partnerships and expand its programs, so documentaries can continue to spark dialogue and drive positive change across our country,” Ma said in a news release.
Content
Cathy Bradberry was hired as radio director for Nebraska Public Media. She succeeds Bill Anderson, who retired. Bradberry most recently worked as senior business manager for WUGA in Athens, Ga. She’s also been traffic and productions manager for South Carolina Public Radio, where she helped manage the national programs Piano Jazz and American Popular Song. “As a leader, I believe in fostering an environment of collaboration, empathy, and innovation where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued,” Bradberry said in a news release.
Tom Crann, host of All Things Considered at Minnesota Public Radio, will become a host for YourClassical MPR. Crann, who has worked in public radio since 1987, will replace Steve Staruch in the 3–7 p.m. shift as Staruch moves into a part-time role. “I love classical music. I love the role it plays in my life, and I like to share that,” Crann said in a news release. “And this is a great place to do that. We’ve got two major orchestras and so many other organizations.” Crann previously worked as PD for WNIN in Evansville, Ind.; morning host for WNED in Buffalo, N.Y.; a host at Classical KUSC in Los Angeles; and a host of Classical 24 for American Public Media.
Send news of “comings and goings” to people@current.org
Tip of the hat to Tom Crann. Tom brought a sense of reason, and calm to ATC throughout Minnesota. He understands the nuances of hosting and retaining attention, and brought that capability to the journalism angle of the afternoon show. He’s been a trusted source for news throughout Minnesota. Tom, enjoy your move back to classical. And please play the best 8 minute in classical music sometime soon. (The Allegretto from Beethoven’s 7th Symph).
Good work sir!
Tim Roesler