Ozarks Profile: Tammy Wiley

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KSMU radio and Ozarks Public Television comprise the broadcast services unit at SMSU. The stations broadcast from state-of-the-art facilities located in Strong Hall on the SMSU campus. KSMU's broadcast schedule consists of NPR news, classical music, jazz and signature public radio programs such as "Car Talk" and "A Prairie Home Companion." KSMU's programming is broadcast via full-power transmitters and repeater stations in Springfield, Branson, Mountain Grove, West Plains, Joplin and Neosho. OPT serves a 57-county area with a varied line-up that includes well-known PBS programs such as "Nova," "Sesame Street," "Nightly Business Report" and "Frontline." OPT also serves nearly 6,000 children and 700 teachers through its Ready to Learn outreach services that encourage literacy in young children.|ret||ret||tab|

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What is your job?|ret||ret||tab|

I am responsible for implementing the overall mission of KSMU and OPT and for developing our strategic plan. I provide leadership in all aspects of the stations, including programming, fundraising, technical operations and administration. A big part of my job is to build and strengthen ties with our constituent groups that include listeners, viewers, corporate sponsors and granting agencies. I'm also responsible for managing relationships with NPR, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. A major focus of my position is to identify and develop enhanced local programming and outreach projects, and to build upon the synergies of having public radio and television under one roof.|ret||ret||tab|

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How did you arrive in your position?|ret||ret||tab|

My career in public broadcasting started 16 years ago when Arlen Diamond (the current director of broadcast services at SMSU) hired me as a student reporter at KSMU. From that point forward, I was hooked on NPR. After I finished my master's degree, I was hired as KSMU's first full-time public relations and fundraising coordinator. I was energized by the multifaceted nature of our industry and knew I wanted to manage a station someday. I'm fortunate I've been able to do that in Springfield. I was promoted to my current position in 2001.|ret||ret||tab|

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What are some of the biggest challenges in public radio and public television?|ret||ret||tab|

In an increasingly fragmented media environment, we have to continue to distinguish our product and build our brand. Funding challenges are a reality, and we work hard to develop our funding base to ensure that we aren't overly dependent on any one revenue stream. |ret||ret||tab|

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What is most rewarding about your job?|ret||ret||tab|

I work in a fast-paced, creative environment with people who are dedicated to a mission of public service. We simply can't succeed without the support of our community and I am continually amazed at how people give of their time, energy and financial resources to make public radio and television strong in the Ozarks. Public broadcasting succeeds because of that kind of commitment. It's rewarding to see those things come together every day when I tune to KSMU and OPT. It's important never to lose sight of the partnerships that make what we do possible.|ret||ret||tab|

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Do you see any big changes on the horizon for public radio and public television?|ret||ret||tab|

We are excited about the digital future for our stations and the ways we can utilize technology to further our mission of public service and education. We are focused on further developing local programming and outreach initiatives that contribute to community dialogue. We're also beginning to plan the 30th anniversaries of KSMU and OPT. |ret||ret||tab|

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Tell us about your family.|ret||ret||tab|

I've been married for 11 years to my husband, Tom, who works for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. I'm a native of the Ozarks, so I'm fortunate to have much of my extended family in this area.|ret||ret||tab|

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