Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
RIP, Mariam Stepanian. She Turned Valley Public Radio into a Powerhouse
Bill McEwen updated website photo 2024
By Bill McEwen, News Director
Published 7 years ago on
January 20, 2018

Share

Mariam Stepanian, president and general manager of Valley Public Radio, died Thursday, Jan. 18, due to complications from an illness.
Stepanian was surrounded by her family and closest friends at the time of her passing in Fresno, Valley Public Radio said in a statement released Friday afternoon.
“Mariam was an unparalleled leader who empowered Valley Public Radio staff, board and members to unequaled success,” said White Ash Broadcasting Board Chair David Parker. “Her friendship, commitment and strength will be missed, but her legacy will carry on.
“Our sincere condolences go out to her family, including her husband John M. Thoens, her stepson Jonathan Thoens, daughter-in-law Miri Thoens and her entire Valley Public Radio family.”

Started at Valley Public Radio in 1980

Stepanian began her tenure at the station in 1980, first serving as development director. She soon became general manager and helped guide Valley Public Radio into a long period of financial stability, growth and community service.
Under Stepanian’s guiding hands, Valley Public Radio blossomed into one of the San Joaquin Valley’s leading providers of news and cultural arts media. Featuring NPR, jazz and classical music, Valley Public Radio’s audience grew and eventually encompassed two stations, KVPR 89.3 FM serving Fresno and KPRX serving Bakersfield.
In an interview with The Clovis Independent last year, Stepanian said that the station’s signal covered 18,000 square miles in Central California — from Merced to the “75 miles to LA sign.”
Stepanian, a Central Valley native, attended Fresno State where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology.

Valley Public Radio Kept Pace with the Times

She insisted that Valley Public Radio keep pace with the times and the interests of its listeners. Local news reporting was added and compelling content was showcased on new digital platforms. Listeners also were able to access programming online at kvpr.org. The news team grew into an award-winning enterprise that dug beneath the headlines to tell the stories that impact Valley residents.
In 2012, Valley Public Radio earned a coveted “four-star” rating from Charity Navigator, which evaluates nonprofits for consistently executing their mission in a fiscally responsible way.
Stepanian’s most impressive achievement, perhaps, was her tireless efforts to raise funding for Valley Public Radio’s new state-of-the-art broadcast center in the Clovis Technology Park. Among the features: a public service media and conference center.
The 10,000 square-foot facility opened in May 2016 and serves as a lasting reminder of her vision for the station and the community.
Among her other notable accomplishments, Stepanian helped launch what would become the Marjarie Mason Center for domestic violence victims while she worked for the YMCA.
Memorial service details will be announced later on.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Trump Signs Proclamation Banning Travel From 12 Countries, CBS News Reports

DON'T MISS

Sunnyvale Pitmaster Smokes Fresno BBQ Competition for Golden Ticket to World Championships

DON'T MISS

What We Know About the Colorado Attack on Israeli Hostage Demonstrators

DON'T MISS

Visalia Motorists Take Note: Traffic Shift Coming to Riggin Avenue

DON'T MISS

Really, Secretary Rubio? I’m Lying About the Kids Dying Under Trump?

DON'T MISS

Judge Denies Release in Caleb Quick Killing. Defense Cites Alleged Assaults by Victim

DON'T MISS

Nebraska Is the Latest State to Ban Transgender Students From Girls’ Sports

DON'T MISS

US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Demanding an Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

DON'T MISS

International Basketball Comes to Fresno: Armenia vs. Costa Rica

DON'T MISS

Wired Wednesday: A New Research Hub in Southeast Fresno?

UP NEXT

Sunnyvale Pitmaster Smokes Fresno BBQ Competition for Golden Ticket to World Championships

UP NEXT

What We Know About the Colorado Attack on Israeli Hostage Demonstrators

UP NEXT

Really, Secretary Rubio? I’m Lying About the Kids Dying Under Trump?

UP NEXT

Judge Denies Release in Caleb Quick Killing. Defense Cites Alleged Assaults by Victim

UP NEXT

Nebraska Is the Latest State to Ban Transgender Students From Girls’ Sports

UP NEXT

US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Demanding an Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

UP NEXT

International Basketball Comes to Fresno: Armenia vs. Costa Rica

UP NEXT

Wired Wednesday: A New Research Hub in Southeast Fresno?

UP NEXT

Fresno’s Southeast Plan Has a $2.2B Price Tag for Phase 1. Can the City Afford It?

UP NEXT

Trump: Putin Said Russia Would Respond to Ukraine Drone Attacks

Bill McEwen,
News Director
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email

Fresno Police Want Your Tips to Solve Taylor Washington Homicide

2 hours ago

Derek Carr Explains Mysterious Retirement. He Didn’t Want to ‘Just Take the Saints’ Money’

3 hours ago

What Do Valley Leaders Say About Trump’s Threat to Yank High-Speed Rail Funding?

4 hours ago

Were Cuts in Rooftop Solar Payments Legal? CA Supreme Court Hears Arguments

4 hours ago

Fresno Rainbow Pride Marks 35th Year with Saturday Parade and Festival

4 hours ago

Did That Clint Eastwood Interview Happen? Yes, Kind Of.

5 hours ago

Biden’s IRS Doubled Audits on the Wealthy, Data Shows

5 hours ago

Millions Would Lose Their Obamacare Coverage Under Trump’s Bill

5 hours ago

New CA Bill Would Streamline Solar Conversion for Dry Farmland

5 hours ago

Supreme Court Rules Catholic Charity Exempt From State Unemployment Taxes

6 hours ago

Israeli Military Strikes Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

(CAIRO) (Reuters) -The Israeli military said on Thursday that it was attacking Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the...

25 minutes ago

25 minutes ago

Israeli Military Strikes Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

Webster, GV Wire's Adoptable Pet of the Week, June 5, 2025
30 minutes ago

Wondrous Webster Has the Makings of a Wonderful Family Member

32 minutes ago

Trump Threatens Musk’s Government Deals as Feud Explodes Over Tax-Cut Bill

2 hours ago

Fresno Police Want Your Tips to Solve Taylor Washington Homicide

3 hours ago

Derek Carr Explains Mysterious Retirement. He Didn’t Want to ‘Just Take the Saints’ Money’

4 hours ago

What Do Valley Leaders Say About Trump’s Threat to Yank High-Speed Rail Funding?

4 hours ago

Were Cuts in Rooftop Solar Payments Legal? CA Supreme Court Hears Arguments

4 hours ago

Fresno Rainbow Pride Marks 35th Year with Saturday Parade and Festival

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend