Randy Eccles

General Manager / COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD, EX-OFFICIO

Randy Eccles

Matt Penning / NPR Illinois

Springfield

Randy Eccles became NPR Illinois general manager in 2013 after serving as development director since moving to Springfield in 2008. In 2014, Randy led the team that added Illinois Issues into the NPR Illinois portfolio and transitioned its reporting into audio/digital distribution.

Randy previously worked at KTAR in Phoenix and WGN in Chicago where he worked in programming and marketing management after producing talk shows and sports coverage. He also served in management and news stints at student-run stations WHFH, WONC, and WUEV. Born in Hinsdale, he was raised by teachers in south suburban Glenwood and spent a lot of time at the family farm in Industry, Illinois (south of Macomb).

Ways to Connect

Executive Director for Center for State Policy & Leadership

By Randy Eccles • Dec 5, 2019

This position supervises the units of the Center including NPR Illinois, the Institute for Legal, Legislative and Policy Studies (including, but not limited to, the Legislative Staff Internship Program and Child Protection Training Academy), Survey Research Office, Institute for Illinois Public Finance, Office of Graduate Intern Programs, Innovate Springfield, Illinois Innocence Project, and Office of Electronic Media. The Office of the Executive Director provides administrative coordination of these units.

Someone to Know - Lizzie Roehrs

By Randy Eccles • Oct 29, 2018

Roehrs, who is a re-enactor who has photographed war re-enactments, has World War I-inspired photos of re-enactors displayed in the exhibit “Have you forgotten yet? 100 Years Since the Armistice” at LLCC’s James S. Murray Gallery. She’s digital engagement producer at NPR Illinois.

Meet Rachel Otwell

By Randy Eccles • Sep 30, 2018

Tara McClellan McAndrew explores a past experience of NPR Illinois reporter Rachel Otwell.

Mission Control: The World Through Matt's Lens

By Randy Eccles • Sep 9, 2018

Matt Penning selfie on his recumbent tricycle. — Matt Penning / mattpenning.com

It is a joyful event when NPR Illinois is able to hire new staff.

How to Build a Cow out of Butter

By Randy Eccles • Aug 12, 2018

Here's a great weekend project with the kids just in time for the Illinois State Fair...

NPR Illinois PodCamp Perspective...

By Randy Eccles • Jul 16, 2018

UIS Chancellor Susan Koch discusses NPR Illinois PodCamp in her State Journal-Register column.

The NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board (CAB) met in Chicago and connected by videoconference to Springfield. The primary purposes of the meeting were to welcome new advisory board members who begin their new terms on July 1, 2018 and to provide input about whether NPR Illinois’ programming and policies meet the specialized educational and cultural needs of the community it serves.

Grab-a-Java Artfully Supports NPR Illinois

By Randy Eccles • May 23, 2018

Painted banner stating This Is Your Brain on NPR Illinois — Mia Woods

Thanks to Grab-a-Java for welcoming listeners during this spring's fund drive. NPR Illinois is honored to be a sign of the times!

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Meeting
March 2, 2018

11:30 AM Call to order
Welcome - Randy Eccles, GM/Publisher

Tom Ashbrook Dismissed as Host of On Point

By Randy Eccles • Feb 14, 2018

After several weeks of investigation, Tom Ashbrook has been dismissed as host of On Point.

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Meeting
December 1, 2017

11:30 AM Call to order
Welcome - Bethany Jaeger, chair

$10k to Be Awarded to Central Illinois Youth Group

By Carter Staley & Randy Eccles • Oct 23, 2017

Young Philantrhopists / cfll.org

The Future Fund is an endowment that has awarded $69,000 to programs that help youth through a competitive application process.

Community Advisory Board Minutes - September 2017

By Kathleen Dunn, Kent Redfield, Bethany Jaeger, Randy Eccles, David Racine, z-Eric Hadley-Ives, Jon S. Davis, Adam Porter, Megan Pressnall, Richard Schuldt, z-Graham Grady, z-Robert J. Christie, David Kohn, z-Alden Loury, Robert Gallo & Blake Roderick • Sep 1, 2017

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Meeting
September 1, 2017

Attendees:

Community Advisory Board Agenda - September 2017

By Randy Eccles • Jul 28, 2017

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Meeting
September 1, 2017, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
TBD, Springfield

A G E N D A

Advisory Board purpose

Consider Community Advisory Board requirements
Review bylaws
Refine Community Advisory Board expectations

Advisory Board membership

Approve transition to staggered terms
Determine when to launch Nominating Committee

NPR Illinois update

Mission Control: Smart Talk on the Radio Dial

By Randy Eccles • Jun 15, 2017

NPR Illinois midday program the 21st is featured describing its first year growth, behind the scenes work, and mission to grow its service to you.

Mission Control: Past Due State Budget Forums

By Randy Eccles & Carter Staley • Jun 9, 2017

It's clear you have something to say about the historic impasse entering its third year. Here are some of the early contributions:

Community Advisory Board Minutes - June 2017

By Randy Eccles • Jun 2, 2017

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Meeting
June 2, 2017

CPB president visits Congress to defend threatened funding request

By Randy Eccles • Mar 28, 2017

For major public media junkies, here's the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) President Pat Harrison appearing before the House Appropriations Committee - Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Scroll to the end to learn a lot about public broadcasting.

Budget stalemate in Illinois clouds revenue future for public broadcasters

By Randy Eccles • Mar 28, 2017

An article on the budget impasse's impact on Illinois public broadcasters from a trade journal.

Public broadcasting bracing for another fight amid Trump cuts

By Randy Eccles • Mar 22, 2017

Steven Spearie of the SJ-R talked with local public media managers about the potential impact of the Trump administration budget proposal.

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Advice and Recommendations

By Charles W. Scholz, Cynthia Canary, z-Brian Brady, Deanie Brown, John Carpenter, z-Robert J. Christie, Kathleen Dunn, z-Jim Edgar, Robert Gallo, z-Sharon Gist Gilliam, z-Graham Grady, z-Eric Hadley-Ives, Bethany Jaeger, David Kohn, z-Linda McCaffrey, z-Brad McMillan, Laurence J. Msall, Adam Porter, Megan Pressnall, Kent Redfield, Blake Roderick, Richard Schuldt, z-Mikal Sutton, George Van Dusen, Karen Witter, Corinne Wood, Sean Crawford, Randy Eccles & David Racine & Alden Loury & Timothy L. Killeen & Susan J. Koch • Mar 13, 2017

TO: Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

FROM: NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board

RE: Advice and Recommendations CPB Grant Report

NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board Meeting
March 3, 2017

Attendees:

Advisory Board Agenda - March 3, 2017

By Randy Eccles • Feb 24, 2017

NPR Illinois Advisory Board Meeting
March 3, 2017, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Suggs Performance Studio, NPR Illinois Studios
2340 Theodore Dreiser Lane, Springfield

A G E N D A

Mission Control: A New President

By Randy Eccles • Jan 24, 2017

WNYC

The, at least, octennial time of transition is upon us. The first 100 days of a presidency may have decreased in productivity but they are still likely to see change from the previous administration (Julia Azari, A President's First 100 Days Really Do Matter, fivethirtyeight.com). Already, the Trump administration is very active.

The first drive.
Amanda Vinicky Moving to Chicago.
Election 2016. Explained.
Past Due.

Jake Shimabukuro and Classical Ukulele

By Randy Eccles • Sep 28, 2016

Jake joined Karl Scroggin in studio just before he retired. Here's a more recent performance with Fred Child.

Mission Control: First Presidential Debate Viewing Party Recap

By Randy Eccles • Sep 27, 2016

Screens — Carter Staley / NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS