John Hess

John Hess is Boise State Public Radio’s General Manager/Executive Director. He has held this position since 2005. Boise State Public Radio is a 21-station network serving southwest Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada. Originating from Idaho’s capital city, Boise State Public Radio operates five separate program services broadcasting throughout its region, reaching a potential audience of 850,000.

Mr. Hess serves on the Executive Committee for Western States Public Radio, a membership organization dedicated to representing public radio stations based in the western United States. He also serves on the Executive Committee for The University Station Alliance. The USA is a grassroots non-profit 501(c)(3) representing noncommercial public radio stations licensed to universities, colleges, school districts, and state agencies. Over 200 of these across the country are affiliated or actively involved with the USA.

Previously, Mr. Hess was the Director of Broadcasting at the University of Northern Iowa, managing KUNI/KHKE, a network of six public radio stations serving eastern and central Iowa. Mr. Hess is a 28-year veteran of the communications industry, having worked in television, radio, and the newspaper industry. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a BA degree in broadcasting and film production.