Willobee Carlan Named Colorado Public Radio’s OpenAir New PD

Carlan

COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO’s OPENAIR has hired music industry and radio veteran WILLOBEE CARLAN as its next PD. CARLAN has nearly four decades of experience in programming and operations, including his most recent venture launching the independent music station KVNV (NV89)/RENO at NEVADA PUBLIC RADIO.

As the OPENAIR PD, CARLAN will provide leadership and vision to advance the station and support long-term growth strategies for COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO, including a focus on building awareness and trial among new music enthusiasts.

“We are thrilled to welcome WILLOBEE as OPENAIR’s next leader and begin a new chapter in the station’s ongoing development,” said Pres./CEO STEWART VANDERWILT. “Music discovery is an essential part of the COLORADO experience and likewise CPR’s service. We’re confident WILLOBEE’s experience and leadership will help elevate OPENAIR and the distinct mix of new, independent and local music important to COLORADO.”

CARLAN’s career in radio began on the air at NEW YORK's legendary Alternative station WLIR.  Over the next 30+ years he went on to launch new stations and lead successful turnaround efforts for others.  In 2016, he joined NEVADA PUBLIC RADIO to launch their Triple A station, NV89 and was later inducted into the NEVADA BROADCASTERS HALL OF FAME. In addition to his background in programming and operations, CARLAN has experience managing musicians and concert venues

“OPENAIR is among a small group of independent radio stations in the country devoted to music discovery,” said CARLAN. “I am very excited to become part of COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO. I look forward to exploring the COLORADO music scene and building OPENAIR’s brand.

He added, “This announcement is bittersweet as the friendships I have made in The Biggest Little City and the people that I work with at NEVADA PUBLIC RADIO have become family. I am extremely proud of what the NV89 team has done together and I know the station will go on to bigger and better things. With special thanks and appreciation to FLO ROGERS for giving me this amazing gig and for having faith in me. 

“I was presented with an incredible opportunity which was one of those life-changing decisions for me and my family and it is time to move on. And with that, we are off to DENVER!”

OPENAIR is being counsulted by MIKE HENRY.

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