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Wisconsin Public Radio Names New Director

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) announced recently that Mike Crane has been named to the network's top post, Director of Radio. He was chosen after a nationwide search that included candidates from some of public radio's best known outlets. Crane is not new to WPR; he joined the station in 2008 as Chief Operations Officer and has served as interim director of radio since July 2010.

"Mike brings significant experience in public broadcasting and new media, he is a great fit to manage the people and programs that keep more than 450,000 Wisconsinites listening to WPR each week," noted Malcolm Brett, Director of Broadcast and Media Innovations at the University of Wisconsin Extension. The university, along with the Educational Communications Board (ECB), is a license holder for the station. Crane's broadcasting career includes stints with Vermont Public Radio and public radio and television in Florida and upstate New York.

According to Gene Purcell, Director of the ECB, Mike's respect for the station's history and his commitment to innovation were the right mix for the position. In recent years, a changing media landscape and tough economic times have been hard on commercial and public stations. "Mike's balanced approach to problem solving will serve our staff and audiences well in the coming years--and it doesn't hurt that he's a really nice guy," Purcell said. WPR has a staff of more than 110 based in seven cities around Wisconsin and more than 44,000 members statewide.

Crane is an avid sailor and bicyclist who has embraced both Madison and the state. "I love Wisconsin," he said. "As Director, I'll have the chance to explore the state as I visit with listeners everywhere, and I can't wait," he concluded.

Learn more about Mike Crane by reading his July 2010 RadioWaves interview.

Date Posted: 01/25/11