Tom Karlo has been KPBS’ General Manager since February 2009, but his career at KPBS began in 1973. Tom is only the fifth general manager in the 50 year history of KPBS - having worked his way up after starting as a student while attending San Diego State University. Prior to becoming the General Manager, he served as associate general manager for more than a decade.

Tom’s vision for the future of KPBS is to position the multi-platform public media organization as the premier source of local news analysis in San Diego and Imperial Counties. KPBS’ local content on TV, radio and online is created to complement and enhance the strong national programming from National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.

Tom is very community driven in his role as General Manager. He spends much of his time representing KPBS in the community and deepening relationships with new and current donors and corporate partners.

When not at KPBS, over the past 34 years Tom has spent his fall weekends as a cameraman for NFL films. He has filmed 13 Super Bowls and received a National Emmy for Sports Cinematography.

Tom is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area but has lived in San Diego for nearly 40 years. He and his wife Julie have been married for 37 years. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.

Outside of KPBS, Tom serves the following organizations:

• Vice Chair of the California Public Television Board of Directors


• Vice President and Treasurer for SDSU Alumni Association


• Chair-elect Sharp Grossmont Hospital Board of Directors


• PBS National Datacast Inc. Board of Directors


• Pacific Mountain Network Board of Directors


• Vice Chair for Public Radio’s Development Exchange Inc.


• Board of Directors for Pacific Southwest Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society


• Board of Directors Public TV Major Market Group


• Member San Diego Downtown Rotary
  

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  Public Media Deserves Federal Support

  • February 28, 2011
  • | By Tom Karlo

  With funding for public broadcasting under siege, KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo makes the case for support. He can't do it alone, so read more to learn how you can help.

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