Brian Sather named GM of KCCI-TV

0

Sather, who since 2010 has served as President and General Manager of KHBS-TV/KHOG-TV, the Hearst Television ABC affiliates serving the Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Arkansas, television market, has been named President and General Manager of KCCI-TV, Hearst’s #1-ranked CBS affiliate serving the Des Moines-Ames, Iowa, TV market.


Sather, with a background in station management, sales and local news, succeeds Paul Fredericksen, who in September announced his plans to retire following more than four decades in local television and nearly three decades leading KCCI.  Sather is only the fifth general manager in the history of the station since it signed on in 1955.

“Brian has a strong understanding of the local television business and a proven track record of success at our stations in Ft. Smith/Fayetteville and Omaha,” said David J. Barrett, Hearst Television Chairman and CEO.  “He will do an excellent job in leading KCCI and building upon the outstanding foundation developed by Paul.”

“KCCI is Iowa’s news leader and an iconic local television station,” said Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Television President.   “Brian understands the importance of local news and community service to KCCI’s leadership position and to its viewers. He has the experience and creative vision to evolve KCCI’s on-air and digital media presence in Iowa.”

During Sather’s time at KHBS/KHOG, he shepherded the development of Arkansas CW, considered among the nation’s fastest-growing multicast channels. He also oversaw the significant expansion of local newscasts, including the addition of weekend morning news; a one-hour Sunday late newscast; and a 9 p.m. local newscast on Arkansas CW. During the last two years, the station’s news department earned a collective 35 Arkansas Associated Press Broadcaster Awards – including Best Newscast – and its first regional Emmy, for Early News, in a decade.