KPCC Chief, Southern California Public Radio Founding President, CEO Bill Davis Steps Down

The Board of Trustees of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR) announced today that Bill Davis, President and CEO, has decided to step down and begin the leadership transition process for the organization. Davis, who will continue in his current responsibilities through December 2019 or until his successor is appointed, will work closely with the SCPR Board to identify a new President and CEO for the organization.

The SCPR Board also announced that Davis will assume the newly-created role of President Emeritus of SCPR following the transition period.

Davis joined SCPR in 2001 as its Founding President and over his nearly 20-year tenure led its transformation from a struggling, underperforming public radio station into a powerful community voice serving a growing and diverse audience across Southern California. Davis significantly expanded SCPR’s audience, membership and financial performance and recruited and developed a top-notch staff at all levels—establishing an ethical and inclusive culture that attracts outstanding journalists and creative talent.

“The pride I have in Southern California Public Radio’s success during my tenure as CEO will always pale in comparison with the many accomplishments of our team and the lasting value of my friendships with colleagues on the Board of Trustees and the staff,” said Mr. Davis. “Through the years, SCPR has benefited from an exceptionally engaged Board, which has supported me and our management team every step of the way.”

“I am blessed to have the opportunity after 19 years to leave SCPR at its peak, with an outstanding team in place ready to take the organization to new heights,” Davis added. “I begin this transition with a vigorous commitment to ensuring SCPR continues to grow and prosper. I look forward to working with the Board to further refine our strategic path and to identify a leader who will build on SCPR’s excellence and its commitment to serving the diverse and growing Southern California audience.”

Ana Valdez, Chair of the SCPR Board of Trustees, said, “Southern California Public Radio is in the best shape in its history thanks to Bill’s initiatives and community-first ethos. With a strong and diverse management team in place, a growing audience and expanding membership base, and the best financial results in its history, SCPR is poised not only for more growth and success, but also to continue its vitally important public service mission.

“SCPR will continue to benefit from Bill’s vision and expertise, as we search for the best possible new leader to build on our accomplishments,” Valdez added. “The Board also looks forward to working with Bill on the completion of our strategic planning process during the transition period. Working together, we will further the diverse, inclusive and ethical culture that has thrived at SCPR for nearly two decades of rapid change in the industry and in the communities we serve. We are committed to ensuring a seamless and successful transition for SCPR and its audiences, members, employees, and partners.”

A nationally known and respected broadcast professional, Davis led the production of a wide range of local news and public affairs programming and the development of compelling content across a range of broadcast, digital and live event platforms. In addition to its public radio network, SCPR interacts with audiences through its web site, mobile and social media channels and through live events and has become a nationally recognized leader in public service journalism and civic engagement.

These initiatives and investments resulted in impressive audience growth and an equally impressive expansion in membership and funding. SCPR’s audience has grown from 200,000 in 2000 to 800,000 in 2018, and it has added a digital audience that now totals 800,000. Current memberships at SCPR are also at an all-time high of 73,196 members. SCPR’s revenues are projected to reach $32.5 million in 2019, also a record.