WMHT Welcomes Xavier Blake, content & engagement manager
TROY, N.Y. » WMHT Public Media (PBS-Public Broadcasting Service) recently announced Xavier Blake as its new content and engagement manager.
With a University of South Florida Muma College of Business Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, he will focus on these paramount goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion with his work at WMHT.
Blake is a veteran producer and content creator in the public television realm. He has a skill set that includes producing, directing, community engagement and videography.
“This position combines two things that I am incredibly passionate about and believe are inextricably connected for public media organizations, content and community engagement,” said Blake, also a graduate of Newberry College, in a press release. “I have been in the television production industry and amassed over 20 years of experience that aligns directly with WMHT’s mission. I’m excited to get started in this role.”
Blake comes to WMHT from the PBS member station, South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV), in Columbia, SC. In his two decades with SCETV, he has worked from videographer to producer to director while bringing local and rural stories to life. Some of his projects include Gullah Roots, Beyond Barbados: The Carolina Connection, Ranky Tanky from Gullah to Glory, and the Emmy award-winning Charlie’s Place. His most recent projects, PromiseLand and A Righteous Confiscation with John Sims, are two short documentaries highlighting the importance of Black artists in this most urgent time in America’s history. Blake also served as associate producer and videographer on Downing of a Flag, which has been recently nominated for a 2022 Peabody Award.
Driven by his dedication to greater diversity and inclusion in all spaces, he takes pride in delivering educational and entertaining content that amplifies the voices of those not always included in the conversation.
“We are thrilled to have Xavier Blake join the WMHT team,” shared Will Pedigo, WMHT’s chief content and engagement officer, in the release. “Xavier Blake is passionate about the mission and role of public media as a service to the community. His community-oriented approach to content will benefit the station, the Capital Region and beyond.”
Blake started full time at WMHT’s Rensselaer Tech Park site on April 18.
WMHT 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. WMHT focuses on community, culture and connections by providing entertainment, enrichment and engagement through television, radio, digital media, and educational services. More information is available online at wmht.org.