Christopher Franklin Named WATN-WLMT Memphis GM

Tegna today promoted Christopher Franklin to president and general manager of WATN and WLMT, its ABC and CW duopoly in Memphis, effective immediately. He has been serving as interim GM since earlier this year. Franklin is responsible for overseeing the stations’ operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers. 

Franklin has more than 25 years of industry experience. He was most recently marketing director at WATN-WLMT, which he joined in 2020, responsible for building the stations’ brands in the market. During his tenure, he also served as regional marketing leader responsible for overseeing seven markets across Tegna’s portfolio of stations. He served as an officer on the ABC Network Marketing Advisory Board and is a new member of the NATAS Midsouth Board of Governors.

“Chris brings a wide range of skills and talent to his new role in Memphis,” said Paul Trelstad, Tegna senior vice president, media operations. “With a management style that is the embodiment of the stations’ ‘Solution Seekers’ ethos, Chris’ passion for Memphis and the people of Tennessee makes him the perfect person to lead WATN and WLMT into the future.”  

Earlier in his career, Franklin worked in leadership positions at Fox television stations, Guardsmark and at Hope Church where he served for more than a decade, most recently as director of media production. During his tenure with Hope, the church saw exponential growth, becoming a recognizable market leader in media ministry as Franklin founded the Inspire Media Conference, which trains media ministry and nonprofit professionals on software, production and broadcast techniques and standards.

Prior to his time at Hope, he worked for security company Guardsmark, managing video production. An award-winning marketer, Franklin is a 10-time Promax, five-time Midsouth Regional Emmy and a PRSA Vox Award recipient.

He received his B.A. in English with a minor in mass communications from Fisk University in Nashville while playing college basketball.