Elkins named interim director of Broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media

EAST LANSING, MI: May 13, 2016 -- Susi Elkins, WKAR television station manager, has been named interim director of Broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University. The announcement was made today by Prabu David, dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Michigan State University (MSU) recently renewed its commitment to over-the-air broadcasting with the decision not to participate in an FCC auction of television broadcast spectrum. MSU has also formed a new partnership with Detroit Public Television to coordinate community outreach between stations WKAR and WTVS.

"This is a critical time for WKAR," said David. "With her leadership experience at the station and community engagement expertise, Susi Elkins is the right person to keep the momentum going as we move forward into what really is a new era of broadcasting for MSU and the state of Michigan."

A nationwide search for a permanent director is expected to take up to a year.

As WKAR television station manager, Elkins has overseen all programming, including original content production and partnerships for the station’s three broadcast channels and digital platforms.

Under her leadership, WKAR-TV has been named the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Public Television Station of the Year for five consecutive years (2011-2015), and has earned numerous regional Emmy Awards and top awards from the MAB and the National Educational Telecommunication Association, among others.

Prior to her appointment as TV station manager, Elkins served as Content and Community Engagement manager for WKAR, where she oversaw the convergence of media and programming in TV and Radio and the ongoing growth of original content across platforms. Under her direction, WKAR increased capacity for providing experiential learning opportunities for MSU students, offering one of the highest number of student paid positions available on campus. Elkins also increased WKAR’s commitment to early childhood education and solidified its reputation as a community institution through strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Elkins holds a bachelor's degree in telecommunication and a master's degree in educational technology, both from MSU.

Gary Reid is stepping down from his position as director of Broadcasting and general manager of WKAR, after guiding MSU's public broadcasting stations through an unprecedented period of revitalization and growth. A Hall-of-Fame broadcaster and University Distinguished Senior Specialist, Reid will pursue new opportunities in the college, and will continue to consult with WKAR leadership through the transition ahead.

"MSU and this college have been fortunate to have Gary Reid as director of WKAR for these five critical years in the station's long history of service to the land grant mission," said David. "During his term, Gary eliminated a significant annual budget deficit; led a boom in the creation of new, awarding-winning original shows for television and radio; and greatly expanded opportunities for students to learn and work alongside top broadcast professionals."

The appointment of Elkins takes effect May 15.