Christopher Blank
News DirectorMemphis' cultural and historical influences — from Elvis to civil rights to soul music — have been Christopher Blank's favorite subjects since moving here from Florida in the early aughts to be the Commercial Appeal's arts and culture reporter.
As WKNO's News Director for more than a decade, he's been a frequent contributor of news and features to NPR. His numerous awards for both print and radio reporting include 2020 and 2021 Green Eyeshade Awards for Public Service Journalism.
He also serves as Senior Producer for the University of Memphis' Institute for Public Service Reporting. This collaboration with professional and student journalists has resulted in multiple award-winning radio features, most recently for various stories related to immigration and civil rights by the Public Media Journalists Association.
Recent extracurricular projects include co-producing the first full-length recording of the Orpheum Theatre's historic Wurlitzer organ, serving as a production assistant with Company d, which promotes Down syndrome awareness, and writing a popular blog of local theater and arts criticism called The Memphis Review.
Tune in Fridays for his regular Tennessee Politics conversations with political analyst Otis Sanford. Or check out our ongoing Civil Wrongs series for insightful stories about restorative justice.
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In the first two days of early voting, more than 9,000 Shelby County voters cast ballots. -
Solar CEO says the cost of going green makes economic sense. -
In a new lawsuit, State Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt is being accused of pressuring Farm Bureau, also called Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, to endorse US Senator Marsha Blackburn in her campaign for Tennessee governor. -
As Republicans point to scandals and mismanagement from local officials, early voting begins with Democrats on the defensive. -
Today is the start of early voting ahead of the August 6 Shelby County General Election and the state and federal primaries.
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This week on WKNO/Channel 10’s "Behind the Headlines," Republican candidate for Sheriff Brad Less joins host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries. -
Memphis City Council Chair Jana Swearengen-Washington allegedly sought to use city resources for her husband’s church.
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Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are participating in a global study of HIV treatment for those 16 and up.
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President Donald Trump has endorsed state Senator Brent Taylor in the Republican primary for the redrawn 9th congressional district.
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The Memphis Public Libraries is severing its fundraising partnership with the nonprofit Friends of the Library, in what the library has called a “business decision.”
