Marfa Public Radio has promoted longtime News Director Travis Bubenik to Station Manager, placing the veteran journalist in charge of the station’s day-to-day operations as the West Texas public broadcaster adapts to a changing public media landscape.
Bubenik will oversee daily operations, fundraising and membership efforts, music programming, and the station’s journalism and storytelling initiatives. Executive Director Anne Marozas will remain focused on the organization’s long-term strategic direction, including strengthening its financial foundation and expanding community support.
Bubenik began his public radio career as an intern at Marfa Public Radio in 2012. Over the past 14 years, he has served in several newsroom roles, including local host of “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” reporter and, since late 2024, News Director.
“It’s an incredible honor to be taking on this new role at a station I’ve cared so deeply about for many years now, especially at a time when local, trustworthy news and information is so critical for rural communities like ours,” Bubenik said. “From the news to the music to our tailgate block parties in front of the station, Marfa Public Radio is a true gem of a station built by West Texans, for West Texans.”
Marozas said the leadership changes are designed to position the station for long-term sustainability following the loss of federal funding for public media.
“We’re building the next chapter of Marfa Public Radio around an even stronger partnership with the communities we serve,” she said. “As public media enters a new era following the loss of federal funding, we’re investing in the leadership, infrastructure and community support that will sustain independent public radio across West Texas for decades to come.”
She added that Bubenik’s experience and understanding of the station’s audience make him well suited to lead daily operations. “At this pivotal moment, I can’t think of a better leader to guide our day-to-day operations,” Marozas said.
As Bubenik transitions into his new position, Marfa Public Radio said listeners will notice temporary changes to its local news programming. Through at least July, the station will suspend local on-air newscasts and weather breaks during “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” while continuing to publish local reporting on its website and social media platforms. Reporter Mary Cantrell and Senior Producer Zoe Kurland will continue contributing to local news coverage through the remainder of the year.
Marfa Public Radio is a listener-supported nonprofit with six radio stations serving a 30,000-square-mile region spanning West Texas from the Big Bend to the Permian Basin. Since launching in 2006, the station has earned numerous regional and national Edward R. Murrow Awards, while its podcasts — including “Marfa for Beginners,” “So Far From Care” and “A Whole Other Country” — received three national Signal Awards in 2024.