The KTNA Board of Directors has selected a new general manager for the station. Karen Trop comes to Talkeetna with years of experience both on the journalism and production side, as well as the management side.
Trop is also not new to small-town Alaska. She began her radio career at KNOM in Nome, where she worked as a reporter and produced shows highlighting the local people.
“So I actually got my start in radio as I did get my start in Alaska. I first came to Alaska in 2016 as a radio fellow at KNOM in Nome and from there I really started a lot in production work. I was able to serve as a beat reporter for the Nome Joint Utility Board Meetings. I fell in love with Alaska at the same time I fell in love with radio.”
Most recently, she worked for New Hampshire Public Radio as Operations Manager. She co-produced a bi-weekly segment featuring non-profits, filled in as an on-air host, and operated the studio for various special events. When asked what she’s most looking forward to about Talkeetna, she had this to say.
“I’m just excited to get there. The reception I’ve had from people, even over the phone, talking with people here in Pennsylvania, it has been overwhelming the excitement and support that I’ve already received. I’m excited to start putting faces to names and honestly just getting there. I’m just so excited to start.”
KTNA Board Chair Mary Ostermick explained that Trop was the top candidate for a variety of reasons, including a positivity about the challenges of living in a rural Alaskan town.
“She’s very passionate about community radio. That was huge. She also has a lot of experience with radio, with programming, with being on air, with how things work. That just makes it so much easier to come into a position. She also has really impressed me with her positive attitude.”
Karen Trop will begin her position as general manager on February 1st.
