By Adam Allington, KWMU
St. Louis – KWMU has hired Tim Eby of WOSU Public Media in Columbus, Ohio for the position of general manager.
Eby comes to KWMU with more than 20 years of public radio experience.
He managed WVPE, a public radio station in Elkhart, Indiana and served as chair of NPR's board of directors from 2004 to 2007.
Eby said one of his main goals here will be to rally support for a new building near the Fox Theater.
"With the potential move to Grand Center I think we can really move the station forward in its public service to the people of St. Louis," Eby said.
Like KWMU, which is part of the University of Missouri system, WOSU is also a university licensee.
UM-St. Louis Vice Chancellor Martin Leifeld said Eby's vision for a new presence for KWMU at Grand Center was part of the reason he got the job.
"He immediately saw the advantages of looking for partnerships in the arts and entertainment district, to leverage the various strengths of these not-for-profits in a way to accomplish greater good for the community," Leifeld said.
UMSL announced in November its intent to build a new multi-million dollar facility in mid-town St. Louis.
Eby will replace Patricia Wente, who was fired in June. Last month she reached a $50,000 dollar settlement with university, and is allowed to consider her departure a resignation.
Eby's starting salary will be $98,000.