GLT, Bloomington-Normal’s only locally owned and operated broadcast media outlet, welcomes new leadership this summer to its newsroom, development, and digital teams.
Melissa Libert will lead GLT’s marketing, public relations, and development efforts, starting Aug. 1. She joins as development director after serving as public affairs and media relations project manager with Country Financial. In that role, Libert led community relations efforts for the Bloomington-based insurer.
"Illinois State University, the School of Communication, and GLT are some of my favorite things in the world, and I'm honored to join a stellar team of colleagues with shared passions," said Libert, an Illinois State University grad.
Ryan Denham started July 5 as GLT’s new digital content director. In addition to reporting, Denham will guide GLT’s online strategy including podcasts and social media. He was previously an editor and reporter at The Pantagraph and WJBC radio.
Charlie Schlenker has been promoted to news director, leading GLT’s reporting staff as well as regularly hosting GLT’s newsmagazine Sound Ideas. Schlenker has spent more than three decades in radio, most recently as GLT’s assistant news director, and has won numerous state and national awards for journalism.
Schlenker succeeds News Director Emeritus Willis Kern, who retired in April.
“WGLT has been a tremendous community asset for many years, and that wouldn’t be the case without the dedication and talents of those who’ve worked to make it so,” said GLT General Manager R.C. McBride. “I’m thrilled that foundation is attracting another generation of people to take GLT to even greater heights.”
WGLT, on-air at 89.1 FM and online at WGLT.org, is a public service of Illinois State University and part of its School of Communication.
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