KSMU Ozarks Public Broadcasting, the region’s NPR affiliate, named Michele Skalicky as its latest news director on Feb. 16.
The previous news director, Jennifer Moore, left the station upon accepting a job with WGBH, another NPR affiliate, in Boston. Skalicky has served as the interim director since then.
“Michele has been a trusted voice for listeners across the Ozarks for decades. Her work ethic, integrity, and passion for journalism are unparalleled. I’m thrilled she has agreed to continue serving our listeners in this important role,” said Rachel Knight, the general manager of KSMU, in a news release.
While getting her undergraduate degree with then Southwest Missouri State University, Skalicky began working at the station in 1989. She eventually went on to pursue her Master’s in Communications and has worked as a news reporter and the host of their Morning Edition at KSMU since 1993.
“I’m passionate about providing thoughtful, fair and balanced news that is accessible to anyone, and while I’ve immensely enjoyed my time as Morning Edition Host, I’m excited for this opportunity to bring even more stories to our KSMU listeners,” Skalicky said in the release.
In her new role, Skalickly will manage the news department and the production, broadcast and digital publication of its programs, in addition to working closely with college news interns.
“Journalism plays a critical role in fostering a well-informed citizenry, which is essential for the functioning of any democracy,” Skalicky said. “KSMU provides a robust training ground for future reporters and as a former student announcer myself, I’m deeply committed to helping these students develop strong journalistic standards and ethics, and mentoring the next generation of journalists.”
