Willobee Craves Denver’s OpenAir

• Willobee Carlan is packing for a big move from Reno to Denver as the newly named Program Director of OpenAir, Colorado Public Radio’s music discovery station. Carlan brings with him nearly four decades of experience in programming and operations, including his most recent venture — Nevada Public Radio Triple A KVNV (NV89)/Reno, which he launched in April 2017.

“We are thrilled to welcome Willobee as OpenAir’s next leader and begin a new chapter in the station’s ongoing development,” said CPR President & CEO Stewart Vanderwilt. “Music discovery is an essential part of the Colorado experience and likewise CPR’s service. We’re confident Willobee’s experience and leadership will help elevate OpenAir and the distinct mix of new, independent and local music important to Colorado.”

Carlan’s radio career began at WLIR/Long Island. He later spent five years as OM/PD of legendary Northshire Alternative WEQX/Albany, NY, followed by a stretch with Shamrock Communications in Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA as OM/PD of Classic Rock WEZX, Alternative WFUZ and ESPN affiliate WEJL. In February of 2012 he relocated to Reno to oversee the launch of five new Shamrock brands from scratch — Alternative KRZQ, Top 40 KWNZ (POP FM), Rocker KZTI (Z105.3), News/Talk KNEZ (K-News) and Adult Standards Martini Radio. In late 2016, Carlan joined Nevada Public Radio and was also inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

“OpenAir is among a small group of independent radio stations in the country devoted to music discovery,” said Carlan, who will once again be working with Mike Henry of Paragon Media Strategies. “I’m very excited to become part of Colorado Public Radio. I look forward to exploring the Colorado music scene, and building OpenAir’s brand — to engage more music enthusiasts and help raise the profile of musicians who are putting Colorado’s music scene on the map.”