Carl “Butch” Antolini resigned Friday as executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
WVPB’s governing board announced Antolini’s departure during an emergency meeting Monday and unanimously accepted his resignation. It appointed WVPB COO Eddie Isom as interim executive director.
The board did not share a reason for Antolini’s resignation. Antolini has not responded to a request for comment.
Antolini began leading the state network in 2021 on an interim basis before taking the permanent position last year. He had previously served as director of communications for West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.
Wouldn’t this be an opportune moment for philanthropic interests who support independent journalism to foster formation of a Friends group? such a group could purchase WVPB’s assets and insulate it from the bullying of statehouse actors whose primary purpose is to protect the coal industry.