Following the transfer of Alex Silverman to 1070 KNX/97.1 KNX-FM Los Angeles, Audacy has announced the promotion of Kristina ‘Luca’ Koppeser to Brand Manager and Director of Content for News 1060 KYW Philadelphia/103.9 WPHI Jenkintown PA and Tom Rickert to Assistant Brand Manager.
Koppeser joined KYW in July 2021 as Digital Managing Editor. She previously served as Digital Curation Manager and Manager of Amplify for Hearst Television, was an editorial curator for Twitter, and held digital roles at platforms including DailyMail, MTV.com, The Dr. Oz Show, and Gawker.
Rickert has been with KYW since 2011 and has served as Director of Podcasting since 2021, a role he will also retain. During his tenure her has served as a production assistant, digital and social media producer, writer and editor.
Audacy announced new leadership for KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM / 1060 AM) in Philadelphia. The station has named Kristina “Luca” Koppeser as Brand Manager and Director of Digital Content. In this role, she will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations and branding. The station also named Podcast Director Tom Rickert as Assistant Brand Manager and Director of Podcasting.
“We’re thrilled to usher in the next chapter of this heritage brand by elevating two exceptionally talented individuals in Luca and Tom,” said David Yadgaroff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Philadelphia. “They both not only have a finger on the pulse of this city, but an immense understanding for the role this station plays for our listeners each and every day. I have full confidence that under their leadership, KYW Newsradio will continue its growth and further extend its position as a trusted and respected voice in this community.”
“The passion, tenacity, and dedication of the KYW newsroom is unrivaled,” said Koppeser. “Having the privilege of working alongside and learning from these award-winning journalists inspires me every day. I am honored to help write the next chapter of KYW Newsradio and to continue to serve the greater Philadelphia region with the top-notch local news that matters most.”
Koppeser joined KYW Newsradio in July 2021 as the Digital Managing Editor. She has over a decade of experience in digital media, spending much of her career pioneering new roles across both news organizations and social platforms. In 2017, Koppeser launched the Digital Curation Desk at Hearst Television and later led the Amplify Team, where she managed production and distribution of national digital video content sourced from HTV’s local news stations. In addition to digital video, she oversaw user generated content and national social content through HTV brands Stitch and Very Local. Prior to HTV, Koppeser was the inaugural Twitter Moments curator, where she helped develop the product and curation standards for the U.S. and international launches of Moments.
“KYW Newsradio is a venerable newsroom, a cherished institution, and a group of the finest journalists in Philadelphia – but it’s much more than that too,” said Rickert. “It’s the pulse of this city, the soundtrack for generations, and in times of trouble and uncertainty, a critical lifeline for millions. It’s a great honor and a privilege to champion the peerless journalism of this incredible news team and to serve the diverse communities of Philadelphia with the dependable local news and information they not only trust, but deserve.”
Rickert has served as director of podcasting at KYW Newsradio since 2021, his latest role in an 11-year career at KYW that included time spent as a news production assistant, digital and social media producer, writer, and editor. Rickert is an award-winning audio producer for KYW Newsradio; his work has received multiple honors from the Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. Rickert joined KYW in 2011 after graduating from Temple University with a degree in Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media.
