CapRadio Interim General Manager Tom Karlo gives an end-of-year update on the financial challenges facing the NPR-member station, which is home to both news and music channels, and operates North State Public Radio in Chico. CapRadio is an auxiliary of Sac State, which holds the public media station’s license. Chico State holds the license to NSPR. This summer, CapRadio laid off 12% of its staff and canceled longtime music programs. An audit commissioned by the California State University system found numerous instances of financial mismanagement, largely tied to an ambitious yearslong move to a new downtown headquarters and creation of a live venue, which now has an uncertain future. CapRadio still operates on campus. 

If you are planning on hosting or attending a holiday party in the coming weeks, we have the perfect pair to help you with your wine and music selections.  CapRadio Midday Classical Host, Jennifer Reason and wine expert, Rick Kushman joins us today with their picks to help make the holidays extra bright. Jennifer will also share with us a preview of her annual “December Around the World” music special that will air on CapRadio this month.

Many of you already have your “Spotify Wrapped” playlists. But there are great musical acts, with local ties, that released new music this year(ish). We put a callout to CapRadio colleagues and asked which songs rose to the top for them in 2023. CapRadio Midday Host Andrew Garcia presents the picks. The selections are Rituals of Mine “Overcome,” Slow Pulp “Cramps,” Cosmic Roots “Weight Up,” Victoria Monet “On My Mama,” Mediocre Cafe “Coolpix Sled Jam.”