#USA #Miami #Tom Hudson #WLRN #Sunshine Economy

Tom Hudson Steps into Role as WLRN's New CEO

After a thorough nationwide search, WLRN Public Media has appointed Tom Hudson as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, a role he has filled temporarily as Interim CEO. This appointment signifies a new chapter for South Florida's leading public media institution, which serves Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties.

Hudson's extensive background with WLRN includes holding key positions in newsroom leadership, public affairs programming, and engaging storytelling focused on South Florida's evolving landscape. As he takes on his new role, Hudson's commitment to journalistic integrity, community engagement, and innovation resonates strongly with the Board of Directors, as expressed by Cheryl Wilke, Chair of the South Florida Public Media Group. She stated that Hudson embodies the right temperament and vision to navigate the current challenges facing public media and elevate WLRN.

In his capacity as CEO, Hudson will oversee a multifaceted operation, which includes not just television and radio broadcasts but also digital journalism and outreach initiatives designed to resonate with diverse audiences across the region. Under his leadership, WLRN aims to deepen its roots in local journalism while expanding its relevance and accessibility to the communities it serves.

Hudson expressed excitement about the potential of WLRN to build upon the trust it has fostered among South Floridians. He emphasized the organization's dedication to focusing on Florida-centric journalism and developing local programming that answers to the community's cultural and civic needs. "It's fundamental for us to enhance our engagement with the communities and ensure that every South Floridian has a stake in understanding the pressing issues we face together," he remarked.

Hudson’s career has placed him at the intersection of journalism and economics, which will uniquely position him to lead WLRN into a future poised for growth and adaptation. He previously contributed to WLRN by serving as Vice President of News and later returned as the Senior Economics Editor. His track record includes a tenure as the managing editor and co-anchor of PBS's Nightly Business Report, where he gained recognition for his insightful coverage of economic trends.

With his transition to the permanent CEO role, Hudson will be stepping down from his hosting duties on The Florida Roundup, a significant public affairs program. Carlton Gillespie, a familiar voice within the WLRN newsroom, will succeed Hudson as the program's host. Gillespie's career at WLRN began with an internship and has steadily developed into a robust journalistic presence recognized with a national Edward R. Murrow award. His appointment not only underscores WLRN’s commitment to nurturing its internal talent but also symbolizes a continuing dedication to providing relevant and impactful content to audiences.

While passing the hosting reins, Hudson will reestablish The Sunshine Economy, a staple program he created to explore the intricacies of South Florida's economic fabric. This show will return this fall, featuring compelling narratives from business leaders, policymakers, and community members, aiming to offer a comprehensive view of the region's economic climate. The program's return aligns with the upcoming WLRN Sunshine Economy Summit 2026, where Hudson will lead discussions aimed at understanding the future landscape of the economy in South Florida.

The Summit promises to be an insightful event, gathering business leaders, policymakers, and community experts to explore challenges and opportunities that will shape South Florida’s economic future. Hudson enthusiastically noted, "With every sector feeling the impact of economic evolution, it’s an essential time to delve deeper into those stories, exploring how they affect our everyday lives and the communities we inhabit."

In summary, Tom Hudson's appointment comes at a favorable moment for WLRN, paving the way for continued expansion and a fortified connection with local audiences. With a storied career behind him, Hudson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role, aiming to ensure that WLRN continues to be a vital source of trusted journalism and public service for South Florida.

As WLRN navigates the complexities of the modern media landscape, Hudson stands ready to lead the organization into a promising future, enriched by community-focused programming, high-quality journalism, and innovative storytelling that collectively serves the vibrant South Florida community.