Lindsey Basye
Lindsey Basye is a nationally recognized investigative journalist and the Executive Producer of Investigations at Atlanta News First in Atlanta, Georgia. She leads one of the Southeast’s largest investigative teams, consisting of a dozen journalists dedicated to exposing corruption, advocating for consumer rights, and holding powerful institutions accountable. Under her leadership, the team has won nearly 30 regional Emmys, two national Emmys, a National DuPont Award, multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, and Service to America honors, while producing work that has influenced state legislation and improved lives across the community.
Lindsey’s passion for journalism began in middle school after a formative conversation with her uncle, a detective, who taught her the vital connection between law enforcement and news in ensuring accountability. She pursued her passion at Olivet College in Michigan, earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with concentrations in Broadcast and Public Relations. Her early career included internships and positions in Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she honed her skills across every newsroom role, from field reporting and editing to digital content management, laying the foundation for her leadership in larger markets.
Beyond managing her award-winning team, Lindsey is deeply committed to ethical, impactful reporting that serves the public interest. She oversees specialty programming including a weekly investigative show, a political series, and a daily consumer-focused financial show. Her work consistently highlights the human element in complex, data-driven stories, from exposing airport DEA practices to helping homeowners fight contractor fraud. Lindsey’s professional philosophy emphasizes accountability, mentorship, and the power of strong teams to effect real change, reflecting the same drive that inspired her as a young aspiring journalist.
• The University of Olivet - B.A.
• 7 SE Emmy Awards 2025
• National Emmy Award 2025
• IRE Award 2025
• Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Podcast
• National Edward R. Murrow Award for Digital
• National Edward R. Murrow Award for Hard News
• National Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative
• 12 SE Emmy Awards 2024
• IRE Award Finalist
• Service to America Award
• The Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award
• 4 SE Emmy Awards 2021
• 7 SE Emmy Awards 2020
• National Edward R. Murrow Award for Innovation
• SE Emmy Award 2019
• National Headliner Award 2025
• Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)
• Georgia Association of Broadcasting
• Radio Television Digital News Association
• Atlanta Press Club
• NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences)
• Humane Society and Animal Shelter Volunteer (prior to home ownership)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a persistent work ethic, the guidance of strong mentors who opened doors and encouraged me to master every facet of the newsroom, and the collaborative investigative team that I have built and now lead.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from two key sources: my family, who instilled the perspective that both journalism and law enforcement serve accountability, and mentors in the newsroom who encouraged me to learn every role so I would be fully prepared for career growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be persistent, embrace entry-level roles to get your foot in the door, and take every opportunity to learn different positions. Pursue internships, seek out mentorship, and don’t hesitate to share your story—it can inspire others along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is the changing rhetoric around journalism. Many people don’t distinguish between commentators and journalists, or between media opinion and factual reporting. Local news remains ethical and unbiased, but we’re often lumped together with national commentators, and that has real consequences. I’ve experienced this firsthand—even during the 2020 protests, when I was tear-gassed multiple times, I had to explain to my own father that joking about “the media” diminishes our profession and normalizes verbal and physical attacks against journalists. Just as a bad cop doesn’t define an entire police force, the actions of a few commentators shouldn’t define journalism as a whole. This misperception, and the increased risks it brings, is perhaps the greatest challenge we face today, alongside the ongoing need for local news to defend its credibility.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are accountability, ethical reporting, service to the public, teamwork, mentorship, and maintaining credibility.
Locations
Atlanta News First
Marietta, GA 30064