SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF. — With an eclectic Americana-fueled mix of music in morning drive and signature NPR information-based programs in mornings and afternoons, KCBX has served as a leading audio brand for California’s Central Coast for decades.
Now, it is promoting from within to fill the role of General Manager, thanks to a retirement.
Central Coast Public Radio has named Asst. GM Chris McBride its new GM. He succeeds Frank Lanzone, who led the station and its San Ardo, Calif.-based simulcast partner, since 1980. McBride joined KCBX in 2023 as Development Director.
Before arriving at KCBX, McBride served as Director of Annual Giving at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo and was the first outreach director at the Performing Arts Center of San Luis Obispo.
Even as he steps out of the top role, Lanzone will remain involved with the organization in several capacities, including as executive director of the Live Oak Music Festival, the annual benefit event he co-founded to support the station.
Lanzone commented, “I believe Chris to be an outstanding choice to meet the expected and unexpected challenges ahead of us. Her expertise in planning, fundraising, collaborating, and troubleshooting will serve KCBX well. Chris has also been a longstanding member of the community with deep roots in San Luis Obispo County, just like KCBX, making her a great match for this position.”
McBride added, “I’m excited to step into this role. It is inspiring to see how deeply our staff, volunteers, and the Central Coast community care for and value KCBX. The station truly is a community treasure.”
— With reports from RBR+TVBR in Los Osos, Calif.
