Randy Eccles (left), a 30-year veteran of radio stations WGN-AM in Chicago and KTAR-AM/FM in Phoenix, has been named Development Director for NPR-affiliate WUIS 91.9/WIPA 89.3. WUIS is a service of the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield. In announcing his appointment, station General Manager Bill Wheelhouse said, "Randy is committed to quality radio and community service, which is what WUIS is all about."
Eccles' experience includes programming, marketing, promotions, production, and website development for music and news/talk/sports radio stations. He has been a part of the management teams at stations that have won multiple awards from the National Association of Broadcasters, including Marconi Awards for excellence and Crystal Awards for community service.
"My role is to find resources and supporters to allow WUIS to continue serving the community with quality programming," said Eccles. "I'm also seeking the funding to develop the best content for emerging technology platforms such as wuis.org, WUIS-HD so we can best serve central and west central Illinois."
Eccles explained that in 2007, he and his then-fiancé took a two-month, nationwide road trip looking for a smaller town with a high quality of life and a lower cost of living where they could relocate. "Springfield had so many things going for it: arts, an emerging music scene, the Capitol, the lake, Lincoln heritage, and the quickly growing UIS," he noted. "We liked it so much we got married here. I'm proud to work for WUIS and the University."
WUIS-WIPA is listener-supported public radio. The station's mission is to satisfy a curious, societally engaged audience through programming and community outreach. For the program schedule, events, and other information, visit www.wuis.org or call the station at 217/206-6516.
