A Jackson, Miss. native, whose career began in 2002 at Jackson State University’s WJSU Radio has been named Director of Radio for Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
Rising to the role is Java Chatman. He will oversee MPB Radio’s eight NPR member stations covering the majority of the state.
Chatman has been with MPB since 2017, when he joined as an Executive Producer.
As the co-creator of Third Coast Radio, Chatman has also spotlighted indie music and artists across the state. Furthermore, he has produced several of MPB Think Radio’s most successful shows, including The Gestalt Gardener, Creature Comforts, Fix It 101, and Deep South Dining.
Concurrently, MPB promoted Taiwo Gaynor to the group’s Director of Television.
MPB Executive Director Royal Aills said, “MPB is home to many talented, wonderful people. Their leadership will help propel MPB to a whole new level of creativity and new ideas.”
