Wisconsin Public Radio has named Bolz Center alumnus Phil Corriveau as its new director. In his new position Phil will oversee daily management of the statewide network and its national programming. Phil assumed the position on October 1.

Phil has more than 25 years of senior management experience in public radio. Most recently he was deputy director of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB). Before coming to the ECB, he was director of KUT and the Longhorn Radio Network in Austin, Texas, and president and general manager of KXPR and KXJZ / Sacramento, California. He also taught radio and television courses at California State University in Sacramento.

Phil began his public radio career as a part-timer at WHA-AM / Madison more than 30 years ago.

"When I left Wisconsin Public Radio in 1980 to become general manager of a new public radio station in Sacramento, it was with the hope that someday I would return to Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio," said Phil.  "That opportunity has finally arrived.  I am pleased and proud to assume the stewardship of Wisconsin Public Radio and to now serve as its director."  

Byron Knight, director of Broadcasting and Media Innovations for University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX), and Wendy Wink, executive director of the ECB made the hiring announcement on September 21. Wisconsin Public Radio is a service of UWEX and ECB.

"Phil has a deep passion for public radio and a commitment to providing excellent programming to the people of Wisconsin," said Wendy. "His innovations will lead Wisconsin Public Radio through the changes facing us over the coming years. He's a great colleague and I'm thrilled he's agreed to work with us in this capacity."

Phil explained that public radio is facing a time of change. "As digital technologies make radio available to listeners via satellite, the Internet, MP3s, Audio On Demand, and other media, listeners will have more options to hear what they want, when they want to hear it," he said. "This is good for the consumer, but it will result in more competition for public broadcasters. As a producer of high-quality local and national programs, Wisconsin Public Radio is well-positioned to turn that challenge into an opportunity for growth."

"Phil has aspired to and worked toward this position for 25 years," said Byron. "We are fortunate to hire an individual who respects and cares for Wisconsin Public Radio and pledges continued success while guiding it to a future of new public service."

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