Debra Fraser
General ManagerDebra believes in the power of information to shape our world for the better. Her ‘slogan’ since arriving in 2014 is “KMUW is here to share the stories of Wichita with Wichita and the world.” She knows that when media is used as a force for good, we can spark curiosity, foster understanding, and build bridges.
Debra started in public radio as a news intern in 1988 after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and has been hooked on public radio ever since. She spent 25 years at Houston Public Radio learning the business from the ground up before becoming station manager. Her many years as a reporter and news director reinforced the importance of non-profit news and entertainment. It strengthened her conviction that public media, KMUW in particular, is a combination of community service, creativity, and trust. As news media in general dwindles, KMUW must stand even taller and maintain the public’s trust. It also requires a team of committed, innovative, and creative people who believe in the spirit of community service.
It is Debra’s job to ensure that Wichita’s NPR station is well-represented on local, regional and national levels, while also providing the tools for her talented team to make great content. She serves the community as president of the Old Town Association, ex-officio member of the Downtown Wichita Board, SSMID Advisory Board, Vice-Chair of the Kansas Public Broadcasting Council, a member of the WSU Publications Board. She encourages all KMUW staff to volunteer for non-profits to help make Wichita even better.
Outside the office Debra focuses on her three rescue pups who are a handful!
Debra can be reached at fraser@kmuw.org.
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The OZ Museum in Wamego, Kansas is a draw for "Wizard of Oz" fans. J. Shafer reports on the never before seen-in-public film prop that's on temporary loan. Plus news from Wichita and around the state. -
A Wichita filmmaker talks about sharing his latest movie. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
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Navigating the process to gain US Citizenship can take years when done through proper channels. For those who came or were brought here illegally, the system can feel like a decades-long lottery. Hear the story of how one Overland Park woman made the journey from undocumented to US citizen. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
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Each spring, hundreds of millions of birds fly north through the heart of the continent to breed in Canada. But light pollution leads many of them to their deaths. We learn how one building proves the ways we can protect birds. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
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Although the #MeToo movement hadn't happened when Mischa Berlinski started his novel, it was a factor by the time he finished it. So he decided to use his novel to explore the issue. KMUW's Beth Golay visits with Mischa Berlinski about his novel, "Mona Acts Out." And we have news from Wichita and around the state.
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The short film "The Game Camera" spotlights a variety of Kansas talent, including Kristen Bush who not only stars in the film but co-wrote the script with her husband, travel writer Rolf Potts. The story was inspired by nighttime footage Potts saw of his western Kansas property. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
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In recent years, Sedgwick County began investing in a diversity, equity and inclusion program. But as DEI becomes increasingly politicized, some conservative county commissioners have pushed back. In August, the county commission voted to cut a key DEI position from its budget. Celia Hack has more. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
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Jason Smith of the Oklahoma City-based band Traindodge says that nearly 30 years into the band's career, he still remembers his initial motivation for pursuing music. We'll learn more about Traindodge. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
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Kansas doesn't require schools to report or track teacher injuries. And although most schools prepare students and staff for intruders with active-shooter drills, they don't train teachers on how to deal with more common violence on campus. A look at the growing problem of teachers hurt on the job and how schools are responding. Plus news from Wichita and around the state.
