Blue Ridge Public Radio Seeks New Leadership

Blue Ridge Public Radio announced today the launch of a nationwide search for a new CEO/General Manager.

Jeffrey Pope, current CEO and general manager, said he is leaving the station for personal and professional reasons.

“Our Board of Directors thanks Jeff Pope for his contributions to BPR during his two years with us,” said Travis Childs, Chairman of the Board. “Jeff’s visionary and strategic leadership has set us on a clear path for media leadership in our region.”

“Tim Roesler will provide a smooth transition and a steady hand at the station as we select a new leader,” Childs said. “Tim’s vast experience in broadcast journalism will serve our staff, our stations and our listeners well.”

Roesler was the first president of Minnesota Public Radio, known for nationally syndicated programs such as “A Prairie Home Companion,” “Performance Today” and “Marketplace.” MPR is the largest business unit of nonprofit parent American Public Media, where Roesler spent 19 years. In addition to his inaugural position as president of MPR, Roesler has served in executive positions at APM, including C-level positions in sales, content, marketing and business development. APM’s sponsorship and partnership revenues grew to $40 million from $13 million during his tenure.

Additionally, Roesler worked at Internet Broadcasting Systems, IHeartRadio, CBS Radio and Henry Broadcasting.

“We are in an exciting time of positive change at Blue Ridge Public Radio,” Childs said. “The station is making excellent progress in growing our audience and news coverage. Tim will be an integral part of continuing that momentum as we search for a permanent leader.”

BPR’s website usage has grown more than 50% this year. The station has expanded its staff, hiring reporters to cover Western North Carolina communities and climate issues. The station continues to win awards for its reporting, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for a series on the failed plan to turn a former Ramada Inn in Asheville into a homeless shelter.

“When I was hired, I was given the opportunity to make and lead significant changes to BPR to put it on a path to engage and succeed in the rapidly changing media and journalism landscape,” Pope said. “With so many changes already underway and coming, the time was right for me to step aside. I am proud to have been part of the team that has grown BPR into a frontline, digitally-first news and culture organization that is making a difference in the everyday lives of Western North Carolina residents.”

About BPR