Caryn Mathes, now station manager of non-commercial WDET(FM) in Detroit, is the new general manager of WAMU(FM), Washington. American University President Benjamin Ladner made the announcement.
Mathes replaces Susan Clampitt, who was dismissed last October after reports surfaced in which volunteers and former donors questioned spending practices at the station. This summer, Clampitt sued American University and Ladner for more than $12 million claiming wrongful termination.
After the dismissal, Ladner named his chief of staff, David Taylor, as interim general manager.
Mathes has served as general manager for 20 years at WDET, which is
licensed to Wayne State University and claims to serve more than 200,000 listeners. During her tenure, according to the announcement, Mathes helped the station establish a strong identity in the Detroit media market, gain listeners, increase its operational efficiency, grow its funding, and become one of the largest public radio stations in the country.
Her WAMU appointment is effective March 1.
WAMU went digital this year and is beta-testing a supplemental audio channel.
WAMU Gets New GM
WAMU Gets New GM