Longtime journalist Monica Lopez takes helm at KCBX news team
Monica Lopez.
– Monica Lopez, a longtime journalist, editor, and producer, has been hired as the news director for KCBX Central Coast Public Radio. Lopez brings decades of experience in journalism and public radio, having worked as a news director, editor, bureau chief, writer, reporter, and producer for nationally syndicated newscasts and documentary programs in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Houston.
Lopez’s 25-year journalism career includes senior roles at UC Santa Barbara’s KCSB-FM, Los Angeles’ KPFK, Houston’s KPFT, and the international daily news program Free Speech Radio News. Most recently, she worked at The Financial Times, where she served as an audio engineer for the FT News Briefing podcast and co-edited the documentary podcast series 70 Million.
Lopez holds a degree in Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies from UC Santa Barbara and specialized in video documentary production at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Her extensive experience in terrestrial radio and podcast production has fostered a strong connection to local public radio stations like KCBX.
“I love community radio and covering local communities where there can be a greater connection and impact with listeners,” said Lopez. “I am thrilled to be joining KCBX, and I look forward to helping our news team provide information about critical public services and accountability reporting that people can rely on to make informed decisions.”
KCBX Program Director Marisa Waddell expressed enthusiasm for Lopez’s addition to the station. “With her decades of experience as a journalist, editor, producer, and mentor, she brings a full toolkit to lead our news team and to serve our community,” said Waddell.
Monica Lopez’s news stories for KCBX are available at kcbx.org/people/monica-lopez.
About KCBX Central Coast Public Radio
KCBX is a non-commercial public radio station that serves an average weekly audience of more than 35,000 listeners in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and south Monterey Counties. The station broadcasts local and national information programming, NPR shows, and an eclectic music format featuring jazz, indie rock, Americana, soul, and world music.
Nearly 90 percent of the station’s funding comes from individual listeners, local corporate underwriters, and proceeds from the Live Oak Music Festival. KCBX broadcasts on 90.1 FM in San Luis Obispo, 91.1 FM in Cayucos, 95.1 FM in Lompoc, 91.7 FM from Paso Robles to Salinas, and 90.9 FM in Santa Ynez, Goleta, Avila Beach, and Cambria. Listeners can also stream programming online at kcbx.org.
