Les Vann, the president and general manager of WJCL-TV since January 2013 has been named to a similar position with WISH-TV and WNDY-TV in Indianapolis, LIN Media announced Monday.
Vann, who has more than 20 years of television station management experience, previously served at stations in Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina and New York.
On Aug. 20, the parent companies of WSAV, WJCL and WTGS announced plans to sell off two of their stations to help gain regulatory approval for a merger.
Media General, who announced merger plans with LIN Media on March 21, will keep NBC affiliate WSAV while Sinclair Broadcast Group will acquire Fox affiliate WTGS. Hearst Corp. will acquire ABC affiliate WJCL.
In a press release, Media General said the divestitures were necessary to comply with federal anti-trust laws related to their $1.6 billion merger. While expected, it was unclear what effects the sales would have on staffing and programming at those stations.
In making Monday’s announcement, Jay Howell, LIN Media’s vice president of television, said, “Les has done a terrific job in Savannah, rebuilding and launching a new brand, transforming its news department and strengthening the station’s commitment to localism. He brings a unique skill set to WISH-TV and WNDY-TV that will be very important to these stations’ growth and development.”
Vann said he is “excited to join the team at WISH-TV and WNDY-TV at a moment of great opportunity to enhance the stations’ strong community presence and develop innovative strategies that will drive new opportunities. Indianapolis has long been one of my favorite cities, and I am eager to become immersed in their great traditions.”
LIN Media also announced Steve Doerr has been appointed acting general manager for WJCL-TV.
Most recently, Doerr was vice president/group manager — northeast region for Smith Media LLC, where he managed five network affiliated stations and digital platforms in central New York and New England through the transitional period as the businesses were marketed and sold.