JANS – Mississippi Public Broadcasting announced the promotions of two staff members – Taiwo Gaynor as the director of Television and Java Chatman as director of Radio.

Gaynor, a native of Brooklyn, New York, joined MPB in September 2008 as senior audio technician in MPB’s Television Department. Since then, he’s held the positions of director of audio, director of postproduction, and associate director of Television.

 Taiwo Gaynor 

Gaynor has produced award-winning MPB programming, including “Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up,” a nationally televised documentary that won a Telly Award, and “1964: The Fight for a Right,” which was also distributed nationally and received an Edward R. Murrow Award and a Telly Award.

Gaynor also produces the series “Ed Said,” featuring the MPB edutainment character who promotes healthy eating to early learners through curriculum and live shows. The series has won three regional Emmy Awards and two Telly Awards.

Java Chatman

Chatman began his media career in 2002 at Jackson State University’s WJSU and worked in commercial, independent, and public radio before arriving at MPB in 2017. Chatman, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, is co-creator of Third Coast Radio, the only statewide radio program highlighting indie music and artists. Chatman also produced some of MPB Think Radio’s top-performing shows, including “The Gestalt Gardener,” “Creature Comforts,” “Fix It 101,” and “Deep South Dining.”

“MPB is home to many talented, wonderful people,” MPB Executive Director Royal Aills said. “Their leadership will help propel MPB to a whole new level of creativity and new ideas.”