Miami – September 12, 2026 -- WLRN Public Media has named Tom Hudson as permanent Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search, ending his tenure as Interim CEO and triggering a reshuffle of the organization's flagship programming.
Board confirms Hudson after nationwide leadership search
South Florida Public Media Group Board Chair Cheryl Wilke said Hudson combines journalistic integrity, collaboration and innovation needed to guide WLRN through what she called a critical period for public media. Hudson will oversee WLRN's television, radio, digital, journalism and community engagement operations across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.
Hudson steps down as Florida Roundup host to focus on CEO duties
Taking the permanent executive role requires Hudson to relinquish hosting duties on The Florida Roundup, WLRN's weekly statewide public affairs program covering Florida politics, economy, environment and culture. Broward County Bureau Reporter Carlton Gillespie, who began at WLRN as an intern and recently won a national Edward R. Murrow award, will take over as host.
Sunshine Economy podcast returns this fall after a decade-long run from 2013 to 2023
Hudson will relaunch The Sunshine Economy, the program he created and hosted for ten years covering South Florida's business landscape, housing, tourism, technology and climate issues. The relaunch begins September 23 with the WLRN Sunshine Economy Summit 2026, a live gathering of business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders that Hudson will host and moderate. Gillespie and WLRN Palm Beach County Reporter Wilkine Brutus will serve as additional panel moderators at the Summit.
Hudson previously served as WLRN's Vice President of News and later as Senior Economics Editor and Special Correspondent, and was managing editor and co-anchor of PBS' Nightly Business Report earlier in his career.