Kachemak Bay Broadcasting, Inc. announced today that its Board of Directors has selected Joshua (Josh) Krohn as the station’s new general manager. He will begin in mid-September.
Scott Waterman, who has served as KBBI’s interim general manager since Terry Rensel left the position in May, will remain on staff during a brief transition period. After that, he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.
Krohn is currently senior audio engineer and production coordinator at KVNO 90.7 Classical Radio, in Omaha, Nebraska. He has been with that station since 2007. Previously he was station manager/general manager of KUHB-FM, St. Paul, Alaska, in the Pribilof Islands.
He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a degree in communications and broadcasting, and he is a certified audio engineer through the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
In coming to KBBI and Homer, Krohn returns to the place where he began his career in radio broadcasting. He grew up in Homer and at the age of 13 became an intern at KBBI under the guidance of Gary Thomas, then the general manager, and Dave Webster, who was news director.
“I’m very excited to have this opportunity,” Krohn said. “KBBI is where I got my start in radio, and to have the chance to direct the station’s future is something of a dream. KBBI has been my model for how a station can interact with its community and engage its listeners beyond the standard simulcast of national content and occasional local inserts. I’ve always been impressed with KBBI’s dedication to keeping volunteers on the air, as well as in other roles, where many stations have taken steps to remove their volunteers entirely. Maintaining a professional sound, while keeping the station accessible to participation is one of KBBI’s greatest strengths, and something I hope to be able to build upon.
On a personal note, I love Homer, and after being gone for 20 years, I’m excited at the prospect of returning, so my wife, Kate, and I can raise our son in a place where wilderness still exists and is accessible out one’s back door. And I love Homer’s immersive arts culture and the opportunities offered in music, theater, and other creative pursuits.”
Genie Hambrick, president of KBBI’s Board of Directors, said, “Josh was selected after a national search that attracted some outstanding applicants. A 10-member search committee, which included members of the community, the staff, and the board, was involved in every step of the process, from screening applications all the way through interviews and the final selection.
Josh’s having grown up in Homer is a plus, but that wasn’t the primary factor in our decision to offer the position to him. His skills and experience were foremost, and, from his application all the way through the interviews, he demonstrated that he’s a thoughtful, articulate, creative problem-solver. We’re excited that he’s coming to KBBI.
We’re also indebted to Scott Waterman, our interim general manager, whose leadership for the past several months has done more for KBBI than any of us imagined or hoped for. In a short time, he’s helped the staff and volunteers make real progress in many areas, and we look forward to his continuing involvement with the station.”