CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Nov. 14, 2011 – Colorado Public Radio (CPR) recently filled two positions with radio veterans who will play key roles in CPR’s daily programming operations. Assistant News Director Judith Smelser is responsible for enhancing CPR’s daily news content, while Chief Content Officer Doug Clifton assumed a newly created position to integrate programming elements across CPR’s network of stations.
“As our in-depth news and music service continues to expand, we rely on the experience and resourcefulness of our staff to provide listeners with the high-quality programming they expect,” said Sean Nethery, vice president of programming. “Doug and Judith both have very accomplished backgrounds in radio that will help ensure we’re meeting the needs of our listeners.”
“Listeners have always relied on CPR for in-depth features, conversations and reports about issues of statewide concern,” said Smelser. “I'll be focusing on hourly newscasts and developing stories to make sure listeners have access to the most up-to-date information about what's happening across Colorado each day.”
Smelser comes to CPR after spending seven years at WMFE in Orlando, Fla., where she was an award-winning producer and reporter before being promoted to news director. She directed WMFE’s coverage of major events including hurricanes, elections, and most recently, the end of NASA’s iconic space shuttle program. Before joining WMFE, Smelser edited a breaking-news feed for radio clients around the world at Washington, D.C.’s news agency, Feature Story News.
“CPR is unique in that we provide three very different channels of programming that complement one another in support of our mission to inform, enlighten and entertain the Colorado community,” said Doug Clifton. “My job is to ensure that the different elements of CPR’s programs are working in harmony so listeners experience CPR’s news, classical music and new music programming in the best way possible.”
As CPR’s new chief content officer, Clifton will manage all aspects of CPR’s on-air and digital content messaging, cross-promotion and programming. He comes to CPR with more than three decades of experience in radio as music and program director, and has also served stations in a promotional capacity while working extensively on-air.
Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides 24-hour, in-depth news and music to about 475,000 listeners each week (Source: Arbitron, Fall 2010/Spring 2011). More than 90 percent of CPR's funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses, and foundations.
In-Depth News: Denver 90.1 FM, Boulder 1490 AM, Pueblo 1230 AM, Vail 89.9 FM, Grand Junction 89.5 FM, Montrose / Craig / Parachute 88.3 FM, Gunnison 88.5 FM, Ouray 91.5 FM, Meeker / Rangely 91.1 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.
Classical Music: Denver 88.1 FM, Boulder 99.9 FM, Pueblo 91.9 FM, Colorado Springs 94.7 FM, Glenwood Springs 90.5 FM, Aspen 101.5 FM, Western Slope 103.3 FM, Dove Creek 88.7 FM, Gunnison 89.1 FM, Cortez 102.5 FM, Crystal River Valley / Old Snowmass 93.9 FM, Thomasville 93.7 FM, and online at www.CPR.org.
OpenAir: Denver 1340 AM.
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