LIN Media LLC ("LIN Media")(NYSE:LIN), a local multimedia company, today
announced that Les Vann has been named President and General Manager of
WISH-TV and WNDY-TV in Indianapolis, IN.
Les Vann, President and General Manager, WISH-TV and WNDY-TV in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo: Business Wire)
Mr. Vann is a veteran broadcast executive with more than 20 years of
television station management experience. He steps in to his new role at
LIN Media after serving as President and General Manager of WJCL-TV in
Savannah, GA since January 2013. Prior to LIN Media, Mr. Vann was
Vice-President and General Manager of WKRC-TV and Local 12.2 in
Cincinnati, OH, the 35th largest television market in the U.S. He has
also managed television stations in Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and New York.
Mr. Vann will continue reporting to Jay Howell, LIN Media’s Vice
President Television. In announcing the appointment, Mr. Howell 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.”
“I am 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.”
Mr. Vann is committed to civic involvement and has been active in every
community in which he has lived since he launched his broadcasting
career in 1977. He served on numerous non-profit boards, including the
United Way Savannah, Urban League and The Neediest Kids of All, was
President of three Parent Teacher Associations in Illinois, coached
youth baseball, soccer and basketball, as well as served as Commissioner
for a youth baseball league.
Mr. Vann received his Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from
Illinois State University and also attended the Broadcasters Executive
Training program at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern
University. He will reside in Indianapolis with Shannon Vann, his wife
of more than 35 years.
The Company also announced that Steve Doerr has been appointed acting
General Manager for WJCL-TV. Most recently, Mr. 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.
About LIN Media
LIN Media is a local multimedia company that operates or services 43
television stations and seven digital channels in 23 U.S. markets, and a
diverse portfolio of websites, apps and mobile products that make it
more convenient to access its unique and relevant content on multiple
screens.
LIN Media’s highly-rated television stations deliver important local
news and community stories along with top-rated sports and entertainment
programming to 10.5% of U.S. television homes. The Company’s digital
media operations focus on emerging media and interactive technologies
that deliver performance-driven digital marketing solutions to some of
the nation’s most respected agencies and brands. LIN Media LLC trades on
the NYSE under the symbol “LIN”. The Company regularly uses its website
as a key source of Company information and can be accessed at www.linmedia.com.
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