Mik Benedek

As a veteran Monterey Bay Area broadcaster, Mik joined KAZU in 2005, initially as Director of Underwriting, and became General Manager in 2011.

Prior to joining KAZU, Mik owned and operated local Alternative Rock Radio Station 104.3 KMBY in the late 1990s and 93.5 KHIP, “The Oldies Channel,” in the late 1980s. Mik also owned 104.3 KLCQ in Davis-Sacramento where he pioneered one of the first classic rock formats in the country. These stations were FM Move-ins where the transmitter locations were initially fringe signals. Mik was successful in relocating the transmitters for each of these stations to allow for full market coverage and introduce new music formats within the market.

Mik holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television from New York University. While at NYU, he was a two-time NCAA All American, Eastern Collegiate Individual Sabre Champion and was part of the three-man team that won the 1976 NCAA Team Fencing Championships. Mik is also a former Junior National Individual Sabre Fencing Champion.

Mik is a former Certified PSIA Ski Instructor. He enjoys kayaking from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and has completed eleven Grand Canyon River Trips. He always takes the left run in Lava Falls.

Under Mik’s leadership, KAZU has become one of the highest rated radio stations in the Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz radio market.

During Mik’s tenure as General Manager, KAZU has received over 25 regional news awards and 3 national Edward R. Murrow awards.

Contact: mbenedek@kazu.org