Brandon led station to market leader
Tony Brandon, president and general manager of WYPR, has announced that he will retire, effective June 30, 2019.
Brandon, who has led WYPR for the past 16 years and was instrumental in the acquisition of the station from Johns Hopkins University in 2002, is credited with growing the National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate to where there are now more than 250,000 weekly listeners.
“When we acquired WJHU, there were 14 employees and $1.7 million in total revenue, and a $250,000 annual deficit. Today, WYPR has over 42 employees and operates with a $6.4 million budget, and acquisition debt originally at $7 million has been paid down to under $1.9 million. I knew that there was potential for the station to thrive and become the preeminent resource for the community,” said Brandon. “Fast forward to today, that potential is realized as WYPR is a powerful voice, offering unique and informative programs, both on-air and in podcast, that connects and challenges our audiences each and every day.”
WYPR’s Board of Directors has engaged Stanton Chase Baltimore to lead a national search for Brandon’s replacement. As part of the process, Stanton Chase will hear from WYPR staff and stakeholders to identify core competencies and leadership traits desired in the next president and general manager.
“The Board of Directors will search diligently to find the most qualified candidate to succeed Tony as the next General Manager and our mission will not change with the coming leadership transition. We are indebted to Tony for improving our ability to achieve that mission and thank him for his many years of unwavering dedication to WYPR and public broadcasting. WYPR is well positioned for continued success due in large part to his leadership. He helped solidify the reputation of WYPR as a trusted source of information for the community we serve and expertly guided the Station to significant growth during his tenure,” said Darcy Carroll, board chair of WYPR.
“All of us at NPR are saddened to learn of Tony’s retirement. He has done a superb job of providing high quality, fact based and engaging journalism for Baltimore. Over the years, he has built WYPR into a trusted source of information and an important voice in the community. I, personally, want to thank Tony for his great work in building WYPR and wish him great success and joy in his next adventures,” said Jarl Mohn, president and CEO of NPR.
Brandon began his career in the radio industry as a third-generation broadcaster, building a significant broadcast firm, American General Media, which is currently the licensee of 46 radio stations that Brandon will continue to operate with his brother, Rogers. Brandon will also continue to serve on several Baltimore area boards including the board of directors for the Y in Central Maryland, the advisory board for the University of Maryland School of Social Work, and as treasurer of the Church of the Redeemer.
WYPR is a National Public Radio station serving Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and beyond. WYPR was founded in 2002 by local community members. It is an independent licensee with a diverse Board of Directors consisting of Maryland residents. In addition to airing national and international radio features, WYPR excels in local programming including its news, public affairs, and cultural programs. WYPR is located at 88.1 FM on the radio dial and at 2216 N. Charles Street in Baltimore. As a listener-supported radio station, all contributions to the station are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, visit www.wypr.org or call 410-235-1660.
