Tom Karlo has been KPBS’ general manager since February 2009, but his career at KPBS began in 1973 as a part time assistant while attending San Diego State University. Tom is the 5th general manager in KPBS’ history. Prior to becoming general manager, he served as associate general manager for more than a decade.
Tom’s vision for KPBS is to be the most trusted source of news in San Diego. Under his leadership, the station created KPBS Evening Edition, shifted KPBS’ online content to focus on news, and expanded the radio schedule to feature news and information 24 hours a day. Tom’s vision for KPBS is another step closer to reality: 2013 Arbitron data ranks KPBS Radio as the number one station in morning drive.
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.
For the past 35 years, Tom has spent many of his fall weekends as a cameraman for NFL Films. He has filmed 13 Super Bowls and received a National Emmy for Sports Cinematography.
Tom has lived in San Diego for more than 40 years. He and his wife Julie have been married for 39 years. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.
Outside of KPBS, Tom serves the following organizations:
Public Broadcasting Service – Board of Directors
California Public Television – Board of Directors, Vice Chair
PBS National Datacast Inc. – Board of Directors
Pacific Mountain Network – Board of Directors
Sharp Grossmont Hospital – Board of Directors, Chair
San Diego Downtown Rotary – Member
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