Chris Hastings Named New President & CEO WXXI Public Media

Chris Hastings brings to WXXI a rich and diverse background in public media, joining from GBH in Boston, where he served as Executive Producer and Editor-in-Chief of the WORLD Channel. Throughout his career, Hastings has been dedicated to creating content that connects with local communities and reflects the full spectrum of American life. Hastings began his journalism career at Black Entertainment Television (BET) as part of the original team behind the award-winning news talk show “BET Tonight.” This formative experience focused on covering critical issues within the Black community and sparked Hastings’s commitment to inclusive storytelling in public media. “BET was where I first realized the power of media to inform and inspire communities,” Hastings reflects. “It was an invaluable experience that shaped my approach to content curation storytelling and public engagement.”

A graduate of Kutztown State University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications, Hastings furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Film from American University in Washington, D.C. Originally from Chester, PA, just outside of Philadelphia, Hastings remains deeply connected to his roots, where most of his family still resides. He is also a proud father and husband, values that have deeply influenced his career and commitment to community-focused storytelling. His work has earned numerous awards, including the Peabody Award, duPont-Columbia Award, News & Documentary Emmy Award, and International Documentary Association Award. Beyond his professional achievements, Hastings is a champion of independent film distribution through the public media system. He frequently partners with ITVS, American Documentary Inc., and public media stations across the country to ensure diverse stories reach broad audiences. Hastings is also passionate about nurturing new talent and regularly collaborates with organizations such as the National Multicultural Alliance and Firelight Media to support emerging voices in the industry.

Hastings will begin his role at WXXI on November 11, 2024, succeeding Norm Silverstein, who has been WXXI’s President & CEO since 1995. Under Silverstein’s leadership, WXXI expanded significantly, growing from a single television station and two radio stations to multiple television and radio channels, The Little Theatre, and CITY Magazine.

Source: WXXI