As a sign of KUNM radio's considerable growth, the position of program director has been reinstated.
Marcos Martinez, the station's news director for nearly 20 years, was appointed to the position Monday.
"Our hope is that it will enable us to run more smoothly and continue to improve and increase our community involvement," Martinez said.
The position has been vacant for more than a decade.
Richard Towne, KUNM general manager, noted that the fast rate of growth and change at KUNM has created the need for the program director position.
"We need someone to drive the bus," Towne said. "There are plenty of passengers they just need a little direction."
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He added that increased funding from a growing number of listeners has made the new position possible.
The position will build up the internal infrastructure and allow the station to pay greater attention to detail. Station managers will use the new position to work on building a stronger relationship with the community and commit more time to improving KUNM's Web site.
Martinez said the station is currently exploring ways to become more youth-oriented, both in programming and training.
"We are also always looking for innovative ways to make use of the opportunities for programming that take advantage of our affiliation with UNM," Martinez said.
Officials said KUNM has been very successful in using a collaborative and a somewhat consensus-oriented style of decision-making.
"That will be a hallmark of this new job," Martinez said.
He added that any major changes in the station's programming will undergo a rigorous process of public input and discussion.
The station will continue to provide its 160 students and volunteers with an interactive learning environment. Martinez said he will be working closely with them to bring a better focus and more energy to programming efforts.
Since the late 1980s, KUNM has added four transmitters, an interactive Web site and more diverse programming, including the national show "Native America Calling."
Officials said that since then, the station has maintained its commitment to localism and diversity in its programming.
Towne said that diversity will only be helped by Martinez's background.
"He has deep roots in the community and is a solid journalist," Towne said. "He is also bilingual which will help to serve our Spanish listeners better."
Martinez started at KUNM in 1984 as the station's news director. He has worked for National Public Radio, the Pacifica Radio Foundation and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, which he said has helped him to gain a global point of view that will aid him in his new position.
"Although we do broadcast a lot of programming from National Public Radio and other sources, we are highly committed to producing radio programs that address New Mexico audiences and their issues," Martinez said.
