Willobee Carlan Named Colorado Public Radio's OpenAir PD

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 31, 2019

Willobee Carlon

Colorado Public Radio's OpenAir (CPR's OpenAir) hires music industry expert and radio veteran Willobee Carlan as its next Program Director. Carlan has nearly four decades of experience in programming and operations, including his most recent venture launching the independent music station NV89 at Nevada Public Radio. As OpenAir PD, Carlan will provide support for 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 President and 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 legendary WLIR/New York. Over the next 30 plus years he went on to launch new stations and lead turnaround efforts for others. He's been a Program Director and Operations Manager at stations across the country, from California to Arizona, Texas and all across the northeast.

His recent achievements include heading up broadcast operations for Shamrock Communications, where he PD for its Classic Rock and Alternative. He also developed several start-up stations while at Shamrock, including KRZQ, POP-FM, Z105.3 and K-NEWS in Reno, NV. In 2016, he joined Nevada Public Radio to launch its AAA 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. In Los Angeles, he helped manage Korn, General Public and several other successful artists. In Austin, he helped create and build Two River Canyon Amphitheater, where he was general manager, responsible for producing a number of events with artists like Willie Nelson, The Dead, Neil Young, Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell and others.

"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 - to engage more music enthusiasts and help raise the profile of musicians who are putting Colorado's music scene on the map."