Rick Rogala Named Tegna’s Memphis GM

Tegna on Monday appointed Rick Rogala president and general manager of WATN and WLMT, its ABC and CW affiliate stations in Memphis (DMA 51), effective immediately. Rogala will be relocating to Memphis from his current home in Little Rock, Ark.

A senior media executive, Rogala joins WATN from Bespoke Health Media, where he was president and CEO. Bespoke is a content and technology company providing marketing solutions for the healthcare industry.

Prior to Bespoke Media, Rogala was a senior vice president with Nexstar Media Group, responsible for direct operational oversight of 12 markets and the creation and implementation of company-wide sales training and revenue initiatives.

He has an intimate knowledge of the Memphis market, having worked closely with WATN when the station was owned by Nexstar. Rogala has also been a general manager at television stations in six markets, including Tampa, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, and Little Rock. Stations under his leadership have won major honors, including Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards, and a Cronkite Award for political coverage.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Rick has shown a talent for leading teams, serving local audiences, and partnering with local businesses,” said Lynn Beall, Tegna executive vice president and COO for media operations. “His in-depth knowledge of the needs of the Memphis market, combined with a collaborative decision-making approach that has always brought out the best in his colleagues make him an ideal fit to lead our team at WATN-WLMT.”

Rogala is a graduate of Ohio University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications.