Charles developed a nose for news early in life, spending countless hours listening to public radio, the only station his Dad allowed on the car dial. This situation proved prophetic, as Charles spent the first 14 years of his career behind the microphone at Georgia Public Broadcasting and WABE, Atlanta’s first National Public Radio (NPR) station. We are delighted that he brought his wealth of knowledge, contacts and skills to our team, focusing primarily on media training and issues management work.

During his time on the airwaves, Charles was an interim news director, reporter, anchor and host. He’s a veteran of two Atlanta Snow-jams, eight political elections and countless on-air pledge drives, but he’s proudest of his multiple awards for storytelling. His team won six Associated Press Media Editors awards (APME) in 2014, earning WABE the “Pacemaker” award for overall excellence. His trophy case also includes two awards from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) and a Georgia APME award for best news series, a 10-year retrospective on the 911 attacks. He continues to serve as an active member of the Atlanta Press Club.

Charles graduated with a degree in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University. He was one of the founding producers of Clark’s student-run radio station, which gave him hands-on experience with all facets of broadcasting.  In those days, his show focused less on news and more on music, allowing him to rub shoulders with up-and-coming music sensations like Outkast.

Charles and his wife, Matia, are both Gainesville natives, although he hails from Florida and she from Georgia.  They now reside in Covington and keep their weekends busy with the activities of their two daughters, Aubree and Auria. When he escapes to the man cave, Charles tries to keep score on pro football and The Florida Gators.