Aprille Meek
Aprille Meek is an influential media professional and arts leader with a distinguished 40-year career in broadcast television. She built a legacy of excellence as an executive producer and special projects leader in Houston’s media landscape. Known for her editorial leadership, political programming expertise, and award-winning production work, Aprille spent four decades shaping impactful local content and mentoring the next generation of storytellers. Her professional journey began with academic roots in theater and U.S. history, followed by a master’s degree in Dramatic Television Production from the University of Texas at Austin. Initially drawn to theater, she quickly discovered television production offered broader creative reach, which led her into broadcast media and a landmark tenure at KRIV-TV FOX 26, preceded by work with a PBS affiliate in Houston.
Over the course of her career, Aprille produced local programming, political coverage, and long-form special projects that informed and engaged her community. Her leadership roles emphasized depth, accuracy, and narrative clarity, and she also taught television production at the University of St. Thomas, sharing practical expertise with emerging media professionals. Her work earned multiple honors, including local Emmy and Telly awards, and she produced community-focused streaming content such as programs supporting the Houston Food Bank. Following her retirement in July 2024, Aprille transitioned into semi-freelance media production, working selectively with her family-owned media group while expanding into independent creative ventures.
Beyond media, Aprille has devoted herself to community arts leadership. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for Clear Creek Community Theatre, advocating for arts accessibility, leading fundraising initiatives, and helping secure a permanent performance venue. She is also actively developing and producing her true crime podcast, Sleuth & Surgeon, and pursuing additional independent podcast projects. Balancing volunteer service, media production, mentorship, and creative development, Aprille exemplifies a lifelong commitment to storytelling, civic engagement, and cultural enrichment. Outside of her professional and community endeavors, she enjoys reading, film, cooking, gardening, and time with her German Shepherd, maintaining a creative and grounded lifestyle.
• University of Iowa - BA, Theatre
• The University of Texas at Austin - MA, Television
• Local Emmy Awards
• Telly Awards
• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Awards
• Houston Film Festival Awards
• Various Education Program Awards
• Active with the Houston Food Bank
• Houston Restaurant Weeks
• Member of the local Chamber of Commerce
• University of St. Thomas
What do you attribute your success to?
April credits a mix of theatrical training (which sharpened creative focus), long‑term commitment and hard work, being a productive employee who took on many responsibilities, and self‑confidence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Build your network, volunteer with community organizations, seek and offer mentorship, be confident in your skills, and be flexible about how and where you work as long as you deliver results.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenges: understaffed digital teams and excessive workloads, management tensions around return‑to‑office expectations, and funding/venue challenges for community theater. Opportunities: resurgence of local programming, growth of digital platforms and podcasts, and promotional/visibility opportunities tied to editorial and social media.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community service (feeding the hungry; supporting local restaurants and arts), creativity and craftsmanship, mentoring and teaching, strong local journalism, and family.