GPB Radio is expanding its news coverage across the state with the hiring of a new bureau chief at Augusta station WACG 90.7. Mary Ellen Cheatham comes to GPB from Alabama Public Television in Montgomery, where she served as a producer for a nightly newsmagazine show.
In addition to her experience at Alabama Public Television, Cheatham has an extensive background in commercial broadcasting and print journalism. Cheatham produced television, radio and newspaper stories on politics and social issues for Medill News Service in Washington, D.C. While working for the organization, she also reported for WDAY-TV in Fargo, North Dakota; KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana and WISC-TV in Madison, Wisconsin. As a correspondent for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee, Cheatham covered stories on government, courts, crime and features in southwest Tennessee.
"GPB Radio has a reputation for journalistic excellence, and I look forward to being a part of the team as the network continues to expand its bureau operations across the state," says Cheatham. "I'm excited about getting to know people in the Augusta area and sharing information with our listeners in the community and throughout Georgia."
Cheatham has received numerous awards in recognition of her work, including Green Eyeshade First and Second Place Feature Reporting Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2002 and 2003. In 2001, she received an Emmy nomination from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Nashville Midsouth Chapter. She also received the prestigious Alabama Excellence in Journalism Award from Troy State University in 2000 and 2003.
Cheatham received her master's degree from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Illinois and an undergraduate degree in communications from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee.
"We are pleased to have Mary Ellen Cheatham join Georgia Public Broadcasting," says GPB Executive Director Nancy Hall. "She is an exceptional journalist, and we look forward to sharing her reports from the Augusta and Savannah River area, which is so important to the health and economy of the state, with the rest of Georgia."
For the latest news from GPB Radio, tune in to one of its 16 stations across the state or visit the Georgia Public Broadcasting web site at www.gpb.org and click on the "Georgia News" icon.
You'll find morning and afternoon news headlines, as well as stories from GPB Radio reporters. You can also listen to a daily GPB Radio news podcast.
Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.
Listen to Georgia Public Broadcasting on these 16 stations: Albany - 91.7 FM, Athens - 91.7 FM, Augusta - 90.7 FM, Brunswick - 88.9 FM, Carrollton - 90.7 FM, Columbus - 88.1 FM, Dahlonega - 89.5 FM, Demorest - 88.3 FM, Fort Gaines - 90.9 FM, Macon - 89.7 FM, Savannah - 91.1 FM, Rome - 97.7 FM, St. Marys - 1190 AM, Tifton - 91.1 FM, Valdosta - 91.7 FM, Waycross - 90.1 FM.