Akers named MSPR news director

Morehead State Public Radio has named Leeann Akers news director.

Her first day will be July 1. Akers will succeed Chuck Mraz, who will retire June 30.

“We are excited to have Leeann lead our award-winning news team. Leeann is a smart and passionate journalist who strives for excellence in reporting,” said Paul Hitchcock, MSPR general manager.

A two-time graduate of Morehead State University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre and master’s degree in communications. She has served as MSPR assistant new director for the past year.

She began her broadcasting career as a student work-study for MSPR.

“As a student at MSU, Leeann was a talented and highly-motivated member of our news team and I have no doubt that she'll make great contributions to our news product as news director,” said Mraz.

Her previous experience includes editor of the Grayson Journal Enquirer and Olive Hill Time, sports editor of The Morehead News and Grayson Journal. She also has been a contributing writer to the (Ashland) Daily Independent.

Akers has won awards from the Kentucky Press Association in investigative journalism, breaking news, photography and design. She also earned First Place honors at the 2017 Associated Press awards for long newscast and use of sound.

A Johnson County native, Akers lives in Morehead with her two sons.

MSPR broadcasts 24 hours a day and serves more than 20 counties in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. WMKY (90.3 FM) serves as the flagship station for the network, and includes a translator in Inez.

Additional information is available on MSPR's website at www.wmky.org or from Hitchcock at wmky@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2001.