SIU Carbondale alumnus Larry D. Hunter is the interim executive director for WSIU Public Broadcasting Service. (Photo by Russell Bailey)
April 10, 2025
SIU names radio, TV veteran Larry Hunter WSIU interim executive director
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Larry D. Hunter, who has more than three decades of experience in the television and radio industry, is the interim executive director for WSIU Public Broadcasting Service, the broadcasting arm of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Hunter’s appointment is effective Wednesday, April 16.
Hunter has been a director of development with the SIU Foundation for WSIU since December 2019. Prior to that, Hunter was an account executive from 1990 to 2019 with WSIL-TV. A December 1983 graduate of SIU Carbondale’s radio and television program, Hunter began his professional career as an account executive with WDDD Radio Broadcasting in Marion.
Jeff Harmon, SIU’s chief communications and marketing officer, said Hunter brings extensive experience in radio and TV to his current role, including working closely with WSIU as director of development.
“Larry has a passion for public media and has many connections throughout Southern Illinois. He is the obvious choice to lead WSIU and represent it to the community,” Harmon said.
‘Full circle moment’
Being named interim director at WSIU is a “full-circle moment” and “an incredible honor” after first gaining hands-on experience at SIU’s radio and television stations as a student, Hunter said.
“Through our programming, we can make a difference in many communities and lives,” he said. “We live in challenging times, and the role of public media is complex. We cover news stories and issues that would go untouched if we weren’t there. It’s an honor to continue the long tradition of public broadcasting at WSIU.”
Hunter said that his goal is for WSIU to be fiscally responsible while supporting SIU and highlighting the university and the region. He noted the important role that WSIU plays in the university’s outreach and believes the station “can serve the community as a trusted source of information, education and inspiration.”
“I aim to continue producing high-quality, locally relevant content and increase our community involvement,” Hunter said. “I want to invest in storytelling that reflects the region’s diversity, support our talented team and explore innovative ways to connect with audiences across all our platforms. Building strong partnerships within the university, across Southern Illinois and beyond will amplify our mission and bring more opportunities to WSIU.”
‘Fostering a culture’ of teamwork
As the SIU Foundation’s development officer for WSIU the past five years, Hunter’s responsibilities included identifying, developing and enriching donor relationships and collaborating on fundraising efforts for WSIU radio and television. He worked to cultivate relationships with area businesses and community members, and supervised and recruited volunteers for WSIU pledge drives, the underwriting staff for WSIU membership to fulfill the annual strategic plan and the production for outreach community service events.
The work with the SIU Foundation involved a team effort “dedicated to building partnerships and fostering a culture that values teamwork and reflects the Saluki spirit. Together, we have broadened our reach and garnered support from various organizations and individuals,” he said.
Hunter and his wife, Pamm, live in Carterville. The couple has two grown children.
WSIU stations serve 5 million people across seven states and beyond through five digital television channels, three radio stations, a website, local production units, social media, and an
educational and community outreach department. Additional services include the Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS), operated by WSIU Radio, which helps 1,200 people who are blind or otherwise unable to read to stay connected to the world.