Carlton Wing named Arkansas PBS CEO

Arkansas PBS announced Friday that former Republican state representative Carlton Wing was named executive director and CEO of the state network.

Wing succeeds Courtney Pledger, who resigned in May. The interim leader during the transition was Education Director Sajni Kumpuris.

“Carlton Wing brings a unique blend of public service, media innovation, and leadership experience to Arkansas PBS,” said Woody Freeman, acting chair of the Arkansas Educational Television Commission, in a news release. “His proven ability to connect with communities across Arkansas makes him the right leader to guide Arkansas PBS into its next chapter.”

Wing previously served as a legislator in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2017 and was most recently Speaker Pro Tempore of the 95th General Assembly. He was also chair of the House Management Committee.

Since 2008, Wing has also owned the Wing Media Group, which produces lifestyle content centered on outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. He also worked as GM of programming for the Dempsey Film Group and has been a sports anchor and director for commercial television stations in Little Rock, Ark.; Spokane, Wash.; and Salt Lake City.

The Arkansas Educational Television Commission approved Friday a salary for Wing of $206,000, at least $16,000 more than Pledger’s annual compensation.

“I am honored to join Arkansas PBS at such a pivotal time,” Wing said. “This agency has a nearly 60-year history of educating, informing, and inspiring Arkansans, and I look forward to building on that legacy with new opportunities to engage and serve our state.”