KCBX Names Chris McBride as New General Manager

McBride succeeds longtime GM Frank Lanzone, who will continue in other roles at the station

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Chris McBride has been named the new general manager of KCBX Central Coast Public Radio in San Luis Obispo, California. McBride, who joined the station in 2023 as development director and assistant GM, succeeds Frank Lanzone, who has led the station since 1980. Lanzone will continue to serve in several roles for the station, including as executive director of the Live Oak Music Festival.

Why it matters

The leadership transition at KCBX, a prominent public radio station serving California's Central Coast, marks a significant change for the organization. McBride's appointment as the new GM comes as Lanzone, who has overseen the station's growth and development for over four decades, steps back from the top role.

The details

McBride joined KCBX in 2023 as development director and later added the role of assistant GM. As the new GM, she will be responsible for leading the station and meeting the "expected and unexpected challenges ahead." Lanzone, who co-founded the station's annual Live Oak Music Festival and established its newsroom, will continue to serve in several roles, including as executive director of the music festival.

  • Chris McBride was named the new general manager of KCBX in February 2026.
  • Frank Lanzone has led KCBX since 1980.

The players

Chris McBride

The new general manager of KCBX Central Coast Public Radio. McBride joined the station in 2023 as development director and assistant GM.

Frank Lanzone

The longtime general manager of KCBX Central Coast Public Radio, who has led the station since 1980. Lanzone will continue to serve in several roles for the station, including as executive director of the Live Oak Music Festival.

Steve Urbani

The co-founder and board chair of KCBX Central Coast Public Radio.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to step into this role. It is inspiring to see how deeply our staff, volunteers, and the Central Coast community care for and value KCBX. The station truly is a community treasure.”

— Chris McBride, New General Manager (KCBX Press Release)

“I believe Chris to be an outstanding choice to meet the expected and unexpected challenges ahead of us. Her expertise in planning, fundraising, collaborating, and troubleshooting will serve KCBX well.”

— Frank Lanzone, Outgoing General Manager (KCBX Press Release)

“Since joining KCBX in 1980, Frank has built upon our humble beginnings and made the station a strong, successful community asset. His ability to establish a news department is a tribute to his management and fiscal abilities. Even more, Frank has become one of my very best friends.”

— Steve Urbani, Co-founder and Board Chair (KCBX Press Release)

What’s next

The station's board of directors will work closely with Chris McBride as she transitions into the general manager role, providing support and guidance as she leads KCBX into the future.

The takeaway

The leadership change at KCBX marks a significant moment for the public radio station, as it transitions from the long-tenured stewardship of Frank Lanzone to the new vision and expertise of Chris McBride. This transition highlights the importance of succession planning and the need for public media organizations to cultivate strong internal talent to ensure their continued success and service to the community.