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Meet Dan Skinner, KPR and Audio-Reader’s new Director

Dan Skinner brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Director of Kansas Public Radio.
Dan Skinner brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Director of Kansas Public Radio.

Dan Skinner joined KPR and Audio-Reader as the new Director in November. Since then, he’s been learning about the organizations and meeting listeners, donors and underwriters. He comes to Kansas Public Radio from WKSU in Kent, Ohio, a network that, like KPR, stretches over a wide geographic area. Skinner grew up in Hutchinson and attended classes at KU in his junior year before graduating from Wichita State. Before his work in Ohio, Skinner served as the president and general manager for Texas Public Radio in San Antonio, which also broadcast a radio-reading service. He has also worked in other administrative roles at WBAA AM and FM at Purdue University, and WBST at Ball State University.

 

Q: What piqued your curiosity about the KPR job?

     A: Many things brought me to KPR, but the fact that I have strong personal ties to the region was certainly a factor. My career took me away from Kansas for many years and the position at KPR offered me the opportunity to return home. Beyond that, I knew that KPR is an organization that I would be proud to lead.

     I am impressed with the quality and diversity of programming that KPR offers. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and engaged with the community. I’ve observed a strong commitment to public service with local news and cultural programming. I especially like that KPR invites musicians into the studio for live performances. I think that is a great way to support the arts and help the audience appreciate the great talent that exists in the region.

 

Q: You began your career on air. What did you enjoy about it, why did you leave it and do you miss anything about it?

     A: The opportunity to serve as a companion for listeners while sharing news, music and conversation was what attracted me to radio. Over time I continued to be an announcer but also took on the roles of Operations Manager, Music Director and Program Director before becoming a General Manager. I was fortunate to continue being an announcer while working as a General Manager at WBAA. I particularly enjoyed the years that I hosted an interview/talk show on WBAA-AM. As the host of the program, I was able to talk with many experts and authors about a wide variety of topics.

     While I enjoyed hosting classical, jazz and other music over the years, I think I miss those thoughtful on-air conversations that I shared with listeners the most. In recent years, my role has become almost exclusively administrative, but I still enjoy being on-air during the fund drives.

 

Q: What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of KPR?

     A: KPR has many strengths, among them a diverse program schedule that serves a wide variety of interests, including news, classical music and jazz. We also offer unique local programs such as Trail Mix, The Retro Cocktail Hour, Right Between the Ears and KPR Presents. The strong support KPR receives from listener-members and other donors is also a strength.

     The weaknesses I see are common to all public radio stations, in that there just isn’t enough time, staff or money to do everything we’d like to do. KPR is filled with creative people who have great ideas about how to better serve our audience, but those dreams are tempered by budget constraints. The staff does a great job of cost-effectively delivering quality services with the resources at hand. In the future, we will continue to encourage increased support of KPR so that we can expand our services.

 

Q: Do you envision any changes for KPR, in programming, fundraising or community engagement?

     A: At present, my goal is to build on the strengths of KPR and find ways to enhance the services it offers. I’m still learning about KPR and listening to input from listeners, donors and staff. It’s clear that KPR is a valued resource for our listeners, and we will strive to continue serving them well. We will take advantage of online streaming, HD radio and other technologies as they become available to reach new and existing listeners with quality programming. Stay tuned!  

 

Q: Away from the office, what do you and your family enjoy doing?  

     A: My wife and I enjoy spending time with family. Returning to Kansas has made it easier for us to interact with our extended family in the region. I have eclectic interests and enjoy learning new things. My hobbies include photography, travel and reading.

 

If you have other questions for Dan, drop him a line at skinner@ku.edu.