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WKMS Hires Derek Operle to Lead Award-Winning Newsroom

WKMS-FM, Murray State’s NPR Station, has hired Derek Operle to serve as the public radio station’s next News Director.

A native of western Kentucky, Operle has worked for Paxton Media Group and The Paducah Sun as a reporter, editor and page designer over the past five years. He earned his bachelor's degree in integrated strategic communications from the University of Kentucky in 2014. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. "I've been an NPR — and specifically WKMS — listener for many years now and I couldn't be more excited to join the team. I'm looking forward to the challenge of a new position in a new city and, while the station is already an excellent news outlet, it's my hope that I can make a great team even better."

Station Manager, Chad Lampe adds, “We are excited to welcome Derek to the WKMS team. He's a proven journalist with knack for telling thoughtful stories with care. We’re excited to see what his leadership can do for the WKMS newsroom.”

Operle joins the WKMS News Room November 15.

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