WMHT Public Media’s new president and CEO Anthony V. Hayes
Anthony V. Hayes recently began his role as president and CEO of WMHT Public Media.
Based in the Capital Region, WMHT Public Media is the only locally owned, nonprofit, multichannel public communications organization that reaches beyond the traditional broadcasting model to act as a leader by convening arts, culture, learning and civic interests through television, radio, digital media, and educational services.
1. You started at WMHT in January. How did you get here?
“I’m proud to have dedicated nearly 25 years of my life and career to serving individuals and communities through my work in public media. I’ve held executive and senior management positions, and spearheaded development, sponsorship, content, and marketing, at great organizations in Washington, DC, Virginia, Connecticut, and most recently, at New England Public Media based in Springfield, MA. The opportunity to serve as president and CEO of WMHT Public Media is clearly the pinnacle of my professional journey, and I’m thrilled to be here.”
2. What is special about WMHT?
“WMHT has a rich history and profound legacy. It has nurtured and sustained nearly 70 years of impactful service to the community. It is recognized both regionally and nationally for the quality and strength of its programming. WMHT boasts a spectacular team, from talented and committed staff, to a visionary and collaborative board of trustees, to passionate and supportive members and sponsors. And, amid turbulent economic times and an evolving media landscape, WMHT remains on sound financial footing, which is further testament to its success.”
3. What are your immediate plans for WMHT?
“My initial focus is twofold. First, we’ll ensure the best of WMHT continues: our commitment to local and regional arts, culture, and public service through great programs like New York Now, AHA! and more; our partnership with PBS to present outstanding national programs, from PBS NewsHour and Masterpiece to NOVA and Antiques Roadshow, among so many others; and our dedication to great classical music on WMHT-FM, and the eclectic mix of roots and rock music on WEXT.
“Second, we’ll actively engage with our valued members, partners, viewers, listeners, and communities to understand how we can create additional local content across all of WMHT’s platforms to best serve the region’s needs. This will include efforts to support and advance regional initiatives that empower diversity, equity and inclusion, all of which are fundamental to WMHT’s mission, vision and values.”
4. How will you engage the community?
“Soon, you’ll hear more about my plans for a listening tour to be conducted across our entire coverage area. I want to meet and hear firsthand from regional stakeholders, as well as viewers, listeners, members, donors, and residents. Informed by that community feedback and guided by WMHT’s Strategic Plan, we’ll develop and deliver timely and relevant content that addresses the issues, challenges, and opportunities that affect people and communities throughout our region.”
5. Why is the role of public media so important?
“To me, public media is more than a career — it’s a calling. I’m a firm believer in the power and purpose of public media to educate, enlighten, entertain, empower, and enrich our communities and society. I’m passionate about delivering programs and services that expand thinking, challenge assumptions, and address the needs of underserved audiences, especially children and people of color. And I’m confident that WMHT Public Media has a unique ability to contribute to the overall success of this proud, historic, and beautiful region.”