AMHERST — Amherst Media Executive Director Jim Lescault is out at the cable access nonprofit after almost 17 years in the role, though those associated with the organization, and Lescault himself, are tight-lipped about his departure.

While confirming Lescault left the position in August, Amherst Media Board Chairwoman Vira Douangmany Cage said she couldn’t say much about the decision, aside from that Amherst Media is moving in a different direction.

Yanna Ok, who had been director of media and digital contents, is in the interim leadership role.

Lescault, of Springfield, was hired to the position in 2007 when the organization was still known as Amherst Community Television, and brought stability to the job after it had a handful of temporary directors. Lescault came from the Holyoke public schools’ Even Start Family Literacy program, and also had a background in filmmaking.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Lescault said he would elaborate on the circumstances of his departure in an opinion column he plans to write.

Amherst Media, funded through cable fees, focuses on government transparency, broadcasting Town Council, School Committee, Planning Board, Finance Committee and other meetings through its public access channels and YouTube. Its studios have been used for television production training and for community members interested in hosting programs, like the late senior activist Isaac BenEzra, whose program was titled “Conversations with,” and “Byline” with former state Senate President Stan Rosenberg. Amherst Media also covers numerous community events.

Over Lescault’s years in leadership, Amherst Media was evicted from its 30-year home at 246 College St. by building owner Eversource. Notice was given in August 2010, but Amherst Media only moved to its current site in the Slobody Building at 101 University Drive two years ago.

Plans have included construction of a new, $1.3 million headquarters at the corner of Main and Gray streets. Last year, the organization announced the building would be named after the late Demetria Rougeaux Shabazz. but uncertainty remains about whether that project will happen.

During his tenure, the organization also created the annual award Jean Haggerty award, which Cage said will continue to be given out.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.