WKU News

In an effort to address current challenges and to help shape the structure of the operation, WKU Public Media has named Alana Watson as its new Collaboration & Content Manager.

The new role was created to serve as a hybrid position across the public media services of Western Kentucky University.

Watson will be responsible for digital content development and distribution, with a focus on student-produced initiatives.

“Alana Watson has been an invaluable member of WKU Public Media for a long time, and her strong connections with our team and public media colleagues are unmatched,” said Jordan Basham, Interim Executive Director of WKU Public Media. “I look forward to working together and to the opportunities this presents for enhancing our services to the communities we serve.”

She will also work closely with WKU Public Media’s development team on membership efforts and with the areas of content, operations, and programming as the organization develops cohesive distribution plans.

“This is an exciting opportunity for all parties involved. I’m incredibly grateful for Jordan, Kevin, and all my co-workers at WKU Public Media for trusting me to do this work. My hope is that our audience will see improvements to our services in the coming months,” Watson said.

Watson most recently served as WKU Public Radio’s Student Reporting & Producing Specialist and All Things Considered host. She was previously the economic and infrastructure reporter for the Ohio Valley ReSource and a Charles M. Anderson fellow with WKU Public Radio.

“It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to see Alana earn this new role,” said WKU Public Radio News Director Kevin Willis. “She’s uniquely qualified to bridge some of the gaps we have between news content, development, and other areas of public media. Her experience as a reporter, host, and classroom instructor give her the insight and experience to make improvements that benefit our audiences, students, and staff.” 

Watson is an award-winning journalist who recently secured her first national award this year from the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA).

She’s completed numerous leadership trainings over the past three years including the NETA Leadership Summit, the Poynter Leadership Academic for Women in Media, and the Radio Television Digital News Association’s (RTDNA) Leaders of Tomorrow Retreat.

In addition to her roles at WKU Public Radio, Watson has also served as an instructor for WKU’s School of Media and Communication since 2021.

She has a B.A. in Broadcasting Journalism from Western Kentucky University and an M.A in Communications from Austin Peay State University.

She has interned at WPLN-FM in Nashville. Watson was also a 2nd Century Fellow for Wisconsin Public Radio before rejoining WKU Public Radio in 2020. 

The All Things Considered host position is currently open. You can apply here. 

Contact: WKU Public Media, (270) 745-2400.