Behind the microphone: Public radio announcers strive for diversity

Just who are the people behind the microphone at KXPR/KXJZ?

Bruce Heard, a jazz announcer for KXJZ, said that he joined Capitol Public Radio because of "a belief in the value of public radio within the Sacramento community, a love of jazz music that was only offered on KXJZ, and a format that allows individual announcers to be creative regarding their musical programming."

A graduate of Los Angeles Broadcasting School, Heard is also a self-proclaimed "lifelong listener of both radio and jazz music."

When not in the sound booth at KXJZ, Bruce welcomes opportunities to meet listeners at live concert dates where he serves as master of ceremonies, or during pledge drives when listeners volunteer in the studio.

Gary Chew, KXPR's weekday afternoon classical announcer and music programmer, is one of the most recognizable voices at Capitol Public Radio.

He has spent his life working in radio and television broadcasting.

His career began in September of 1956, when he took a job at a small market, commercial AM radio station. When he heard "All Things Considered" on a university FM station in 1974, he became fascinated with public radio.

In addition to working in public radio, Chew worked in public television, helping to bring KWGS-FM in Tulsa to Corporation for Public Broadcasting qualification. Also, he worked as Assistant Director for Research and Planning at the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority in Oklahoma City.

During his time there, he helped expand OETA's translator coverage and developing a yet-to-be-realized state public radio network.

His distinguished career in the commercial arena afforded him the opportunity to work with such notables as "20/20" reporter Bob Brown, CNN Headline News anchor Bob Losure, and Jim Hartz, former host of "The Today Show" on NBC.

Chew, a single father of three who currently resides in Davis, has been at KXPR since 1989.

Mick Martin, KXJZ's Blues Party host, is also a prominent member of the Sacramento music scene. A musician in his own right, he has also served as a movie reviewer and a local music historian. As leader of Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers, he brings his love and respect for blues and the artists who help to create this special blend of music to the program.

Heard, Chew, and Martin are just three of the many announcers at KXPR/KXJZ who help make Capitol Public Radio a unique and diverse forum.