Audacy Announces New Leadership for KYW in Philadelphia

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 21, 2022 | 11:23am CT

Kristina Koppeser and Tom Rickert

Audacy has announced new leadership for all News KYW in Philadelphia. The station has named Kristina "Luca" Koppeser as Brand Manager and Director of Digital Content. In this role, she will oversee the station's content strategy, talent, operations and branding. KYW also named Podcast Director Tom Rickert as Assistant Brand Manager and Director of Podcasting.

"We're thrilled to usher in the next chapter of this heritage brand by elevating two exceptionally talented individuals in Luca and Tom," said Audacy Philadelphia Senior Vice President and Market Manager David Yadgaroff. "They both not only have a finger on the pulse of this city, but an immense understanding for the role this station plays for our listeners each and every day. I have full confidence that under their leadership, KYW Newsradio will continue its growth and further extend its position as a trusted and respected voice in this community."

"The passion, tenacity, and dedication of the KYW newsroom is unrivaled," commented Koppeser. "Having the privilege of working alongside and learning from these award-winning journalists inspires me every day. I am honored to help write the next chapter of KYW Newsradio and to continue to serve the greater Philadelphia region with the top-notch local news that matters most."

Koppeser joined KYW in July, 2021 as the Digital Managing Editor. She has over a decade of experience in digital media, spending much of her career pioneering new roles across both news organizations and social platforms. In 2017, Koppeser launched the Digital Curation Desk at Hearst Television and later led the Amplify Team, where she managed production and distribution of national digital video content sourced from HTV's local news stations. Prior to HTV, Koppeser was the inaugural Twitter Moments curator, where she helped develop the product and curation standards for the U.S. and international launches of Moments.

"KYW Newsradio is a venerable newsroom, a cherished institution, and a group of the finest journalists in Philadelphia - but it's much more than that too," said Rickert. "It's the pulse of this city, the soundtrack for generations, and in times of trouble and uncertainty, a critical lifeline for millions. It's a great honor and a privilege to champion the peerless journalism of this incredible news team and to serve the diverse communities of Philadelphia with the dependable local news and information they not only trust, but deserve."

Rickert has served as Director of Podcasting at KYW since 2021, his latest role in an 11-year career at KYW that included time spent as a news production assistant, digital and social media producer, writer, and editor. Rickert joined KYW in 2011 after graduating from Temple University with a degree in Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media.