Chad Miles, a 41-year-old Mount Washington native, is the new host of the Emmy Award-winning “Kentucky Afield” television show, a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Miles grew up pan fishing the Salt River and hunting rabbits and squirrels. He will become the seventh host of the nation’s longest continuously-running outdoor television show, succeeding Tim Farmer, who retired in December after hosting the popular show for the past 20 years.
Miles, the oldest of Terry and Betty Miles’ four children, has a lengthy and extensive background in the outdoors.
Chad Miles will become the seventh host of the nation’s longest continuously-running outdoor television show, succeeding Tim Farmer, who retired in December after hosting the popular show for the past 20 years (Facebook Photo)
“Growing up, my cousin and I kept a johnboat on the river all the time – and we were in that boat every day that river wasn’t dangerous,” he said. “We’d run limb lines ’til dark, then go gig frogs ’til light, and then run limb lines some more. People still do those things, and those are some things I want to show.”
Nowadays, Miles is an avid smallmouth bass angler and passionate bow hunter as well.
Miles comes to the show after serving as executive director of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the past eight years. He steps into his new role as “Kentucky Afield” host for the first time April 2.
“Kentucky Afield” is broadcast twice each weekend on Kentucky Educational Television (KET).
The show’s new host recognizes the uniqueness of becoming the face of the program that began its run on Louisville’s WAVE TV in 1953. Only “Meet the Press” and “The Today Show” are older.
“To say that I’m excited to get started would be putting it mildly,” he said. “I have always enjoyed seeing kids experience the outdoors. I want to see how our hunters and anglers enjoy the outdoors, and I want to bring their adventures into our homes each week.”
Miles graduated from Bullitt East High School. In 1999, he earned a business administration degree in management and marketing from Eastern Kentucky University. His professional experience includes two years as regional director in marketing for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, senior marketing manager for National Tobacco Company, and manager of category development at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp.
“The ‘Kentucky Afield’ show is in its sixth decade because it’s not like other outdoor programs out there today, where the focus is on taking trophy fish and trophy big game,” said Miles. “Our show appeals to the average hunter and angler. It also appeals to those who simply enjoy Kentucky’s beautiful landscape, and those who relish the exceptional and rewarding experiences of our outdoors.”
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Gregory Johnson said the department is thrilled to begin the next chapter in the storied history of Kentucky’s top-rated outdoor TV show.
“I am excited for Chad as he joins a select and elite group who’ve headlined this legendary show through six decades,” Johnson said. “Chad now prepares to bring the wonders of Kentucky’s fish and wildlife into yet another generation’s homes.”
“Kentucky Afield” Executive Producer Scott Moore believes Kentuckians will embrace Miles and call him a friend as he represents the sportsmen and sportswomen of Kentucky.
“Our show captures the heart, traditions and passion of the ordinary sportsmen, and that’s who Chad Miles is,” Moore said. “Our program is founded upon the opportunities for all Kentuckians, so whether you are a bank fisherman, a trapper, small game hunter or stream wader, you’ll find ‘Kentucky Afield’ the right recipe. And without a doubt I can say that the tradition continues with our new host, Chad Miles.”
“Kentucky Afield” is part of the department’s Information and Education (I&E) Division, headed by Director Tim Slone.
“Even in an agency full of dedicated fishermen, Chad is the most passionate angler I’ve ever met,” Slone said. “It’s a defining trait. We’re excited.”
Farmer’s other two shows, “Tim Farmer’s Country Kitchen” and “Tim Farmer’s Country Jam” continue to air on KET.
From F&W Communications
