John Gaddo: Wisconsin Public Radio's Southwest Regional Manager

Based at WPR's offices on the UW-La Crosse campus, regional manager John Gaddo oversees programming, fundraising, community outreach and volunteer activities for the four WPR stations in southwest Wisconsin: 88.9 WLSU (La Crosse), 90.3 WHLA (La Crosse), 89.1 WSSW (Platteville) and 91.3 WHHI (Highland).

"I'm intrigued by Wisconsin Public Radio's commitment to serving statewide audiences while continuing to be responsive to each station's local community," says Gaddo. "Public radio has an increasingly significant role in this era of media consolidation. We can't be all things to all people, but it's as important as ever that we address those unique niches and provide the programming substance that has long been a public radio tradition."

Gaddo joined WPR as its regional manager for southwestern Wisconsin in October 2006. He assumed full-time duties January 1, 2007.

"I am pleased that -- after an intensive national search -- John accepted the position," said Phil Corriveau, director of Wisconsin Public Radio. "John has more than 30 years of public radio experience as a journalist, music producer and broadcast manager. We are lucky to have such a seasoned professional lead our efforts in this important region of the state."

A University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduate, Gaddo began his career in radio as an assistant program coordinator, special events producer and host at UWL's WLSU-FM during his college years. Between 1978 and 1984, he was assistant manager and news director for Minnesota Public Radio's KLSE-FM (Rochester, MN) and from 1984-1995 was station manager at MPR's KGAC-KNGA (Mankato, MN).

More recently Gaddo served as senior producer and director of national programming (1995-2000) and then General Manager (2000-2005) for the St. Olaf College-based WCAL-FM serving Minneapolis/St. Paul. He's also an independent producer and media consultant.

Gaddo's work as a documentary producer has been acknowledged with several awards including a Gabriel Award, an International Radio Festival Award, a National Headliner Award, and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. The Minnesota Broadcasters Association, the Northwest Broadcast News Directors Association, and the Radio-TV News Directors Association have also recognized his work. His music production credits range from national and regional music programs, including the annual broadcast of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, to various classical, choral and folk music CDs.