Carl ‘Butch’ Antolini named CEO of West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Carl “Butch” Antolini was named CEO and executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Antolini had been leading the state network as interim executive director since last year, when he took over for Chuck Roberts, who was dismissed by the governing board. 

Before joining WVPB, Antolini was communications director for West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and led communications for the state’s department of agriculture.

“We have been impressed with his efforts and his passion and vision for West Virginia Public Broadcasting,” said William File, III, chair of the governing board, in a Wednesday news release announcing Antolini’s appointment. “We have a very talented staff, and he has recruited some excellent new members. He has developed a good working relationship with our legislature, the governor’s office and with our supporters throughout the state. We are excited about the future of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and we believe Mr. Antolini has the right skill set and is the right person to move us forward.”

Antolini worked in print and broadcast media earlier in his career. He was GM and executive editor for Beckley Newspapers and news and sports director for commercial station WELK in Elkins, W.Va.

“I’m very thankful and excited that the Educational Broadcasting Authority has chosen me to lead West Virginia Public Broadcasting,” Antolini said in the news release. “While we still face many challenges, I believe that we are now poised for the future.”

Roberts, who had worked at WVPB since 2000 and served two years as executive director, was terminated by the station’s governing board in October 2021. A reason for his dismissal was not disclosed, but Roberts had told staff that the board had decided to go in a “different direction.”