Miami – – September 15, 2026 -- WLRN Public Media has named Carlton Gillespie, a 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Award winner, as the new permanent host of The Florida Roundup, its flagship weekly public affairs program, as the show enters its second decade on air.
Gillespie rises from newsroom intern to lead statewide weekly program
Gillespie began his WLRN career as an intern before becoming the station's Broward County Bureau Reporter, covering government, elections, education, housing, public safety and culture. He had already served as a recurring contributor, guest and fill-in host on The Florida Roundup before taking the permanent host role.
Award-winning reporting precedes host appointment
Gillespie received the 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Feature Reporting for "Bending the Bars: Hip-hop album showcases the talent at Broward County jails," a story on a music project featuring current and formerly incarcerated artists. The piece also earned a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. In 2025, Gillespie and WLRN reporter Veronica Zaragovia won first place in Feature Reporting at the Green Eyeshade Awards for reporting on health risks facing South Florida outdoor workers during extreme heat.
Program expands distribution beyond radio broadcast
The Florida Roundup airs live Fridays at noon and now streams live on the WLRN YouTube page, adding a video distribution channel to its weekly radio format. The program brings together journalists, policymakers, experts and Floridians to discuss politics, the economy, housing, education, the environment, health care and culture.
Founding host Tom Hudson shifts focus to CEO role
Gillespie succeeds Tom Hudson, who founded The Florida Roundup and recently transitioned from Interim CEO to permanent CEO of WLRN Public Media. Hudson said Gillespie's curiosity, command of issues and ability to connect with audiences make him suited to lead the program into its next decade.
Gillespie is a lifelong Broward County resident and graduate of Florida International University and Florida State University. He has also contributed reporting to The Miami Herald, The Miami Times, The Biscayne Times and Caplin News.