Chris Hastings

WXXI PUBLIC MEDIA tapped CHRIS HASTINGS for the position of Pres./CEO. The new job goes into effect NOVEMBER 11th. He’s been with WGBH/BOSTON for two decades. He’s currently the Exec. Producer/ Editor-In-Chief of the WORLD CHANNEL. NORM SILVERSTEIN made his promotion possible by retiring.

His has a background in television production, having worked as a producer, postproduction supervisor, and leading the WGBH Lab. He has managed the WORLD CHANNEL since 2012. Earlier in his career, HASTINGS spent six years on the production team of “BET TONIGHT” at BET.

HASTINGS said, “Joining WXXI and coming to ROCHESTER is more than just a career move — it’s a chance to be part of a community-focused organization that understands the transformative power of local media. WXXI’s work demonstrates how a local station can act as a pillar of support, education, and cultural enrichment for its community, and I am excited to lead and expand upon this essential mission.”

WXXI Board of Trustees Chair DAVID TANG added, “CHRIS is an extraordinary leader whose career reflects a profound dedication to public media and its role in serving all communities. His extensive experience, from his early days at BET to his dynamic leadership at GBH, uniquely positions him to lead WXXI with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to diversity.”

WXXI PUBLIC MEDIA owns WXXI (1370 NEWS/TALK) and WXXI-FM (105.9)/ROCHESTER, and WXXY (90.3)/HOUGHTON. It also operates UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER’s WRUR (88.5 THE ROUTE)/ROCHESTER and HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGE’s WITH-FM (90.1 THE ROUTE)/ITHACA, NY, as well as WXXI-TV, the local publication CITY MAGAZINE, and THE LITTLE THEATRE.