Brant Wells

Brant Wells is a visionary senior director and strategist with over 19 years of experience driving innovation and excellence in the public media industry. As the Senior Director of Station Operations at WKAR Public Media, he oversees a $5.6 million budget and leads a multidisciplinary team of over 40 professionals in television and radio. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in shaping the station's culture, content, and partnerships, leading to seven consecutive "Public Media Television Station of the Year" awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and numerous regional Emmy awards for multiple team members.

Deeply committed to the future of public media, Brant is a passionate educator and mentor. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University's School of Journalism, where he teaches advanced post- production and helps shape the next generation of digital storytellers. His dedication to fostering new talent is also evident in the robust student internship program he oversees at WKAR coupled with formal mentorships with colleagues across the public media system.

A respected leader on the national stage, Brant actively contributes to the evolution of the public media system. He serves on the PBS Engineering and Technology Advisory Council (ETAC), previously chaired the PBS Digital Media Advisory Council (DMAC), and is a member of several working groups focused on digital distribution and strategy. In 2025, Brant was appointed co-chair of the Interconnect Working Group. Through this service, he collaborates directly with PBS leadership to develop innovative products and platforms that meet the needs of stations and audiences nationwide.

Brant's leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy and collaboration, principles he honed as a moderator for MSU's Sustained Dialogue program and as a member of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Florida State University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Outside of work, Brant is an avid traveler, Ironman triathlete, and photographer.