After departing CBS News after 22 years last week, Craig Swagler is joining Your Public Radio’s Public News/Talk 88.1 WYPR Baltimore/88.1 WYPF Frederick/106.9 WYPO Ocean City and AAA 89.7 WTMD-FM Towson MD as President/General Manager starting August 1.
Swagler had spent his career at CBS News rising from a production assistant to Executive Producer of Special Events and since 2017 as General Manager of the company’s Radio network overseeing CBS News Radio and its podcast division.
He fills the role leading Your Public Radio that had been held by LaFontaine Oliver until his move to President/CEO of New York Public Radio last October.
Your Public Radio, home of Baltimore’s NPR news station WYPR 88.1 FM and Baltimore’s home for total music discovery, WTMD 89.7 FM, is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig N. Swagler as its new president and general manager, effective August 1, 2023.
Swagler joins Your Public Radio with a strong track record of innovation and achievement in the broadcast industry. As a vision-driven and goal-focused executive, he is known for his ability to capture opportunities and explore new ways to expand brand reach and product offerings.
“We are thrilled to welcome Craig Swagler as the new general manager and president of Your Public Radio,” said Lisa Manzone, Your Public Radio Board Chair. “His extensive experience in the broadcast industry, coupled with his innovative mindset and community-building approach, will be invaluable as we continue to provide exceptional programming and expand our reach. We are confident that Craig’s leadership will lead Your Public Radio to even greater heights.”
In his role as president and general manager, Swagler will oversee all operations and provide strategic direction to a team of professionals across broadcast and digital content operations, news, engineering, fundraising, corporate underwriting, membership, marketing and communications, board relations, finance, and human resource management. He will also engage with board members, external business partners, as well as members of the Baltimore and Maryland regional arts, education, and public affairs communities.
“I am thrilled to be joining the outstanding team of content creators, storytellers, and journalists at Your Public Radio,” said Swagler. “It is an honor to serve Baltimore by amplifying issues, stories, and events of the community’s rich cultural heritage. WYPR and WTMD are the soundtracks of Baltimoreans, providing immediate local affect, keeping them informed and making an impact on their lives. I look forward to working together to expand the influence and reach of Your Public Radio as an essential part of Marylander lives.”
Prior to joining Your Public Radio, Swagler served as vice president and general manager for CBS Audio / CBS Radio in New York, NY, where he played a crucial role in driving audience, reach, and revenue. With over a decade of experience at CBS News Radio in various roles, including producer/production coordinator, executive producer for special events, and general manager, Swagler has consistently delivered exceptional results throughout his career. Recent career highlights with CBS Audio / CBS Radio include increasing profitability, audience and affiliated stations; the development of new and diverse programs and award-winning radio and podcast programs; and a focus on staff retention through the creation of career growth opportunities.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Communications & Journalism from Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA, and is a Board of Director and member of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Swagler is also a member of esteemed organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and The National Press Club.
Swagler’s family is excited to call the Baltimore region their new home. He will be joined by his wife, Mi Hee Kim Swagler, who looks forward to getting involved in the special education community and being closer to her family in the Ellicott City area. The Swaglers have three children. Their oldest, Craig Jaiden (CJ), is a special needs child, age 12. Their daughters are Mila, age 10, and Kaiya, age seven. All are thrilled to experience the rich culture, great beaches, and delicious food the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.
