Executive, GM Appointments At Tegna

Richard Dyer

Tegna Inc. today promoted Richard Dyer to senior vice president overseeing CBS affiliates WFMY Greensboro, N.C. (DMA 49), and WLTX Columbia, S.C. (DMA 75), in addition to his role as president-GM of WUSA, its CBS affiliate in Washington. Additionally, Kate Morris has been named president and general manager of KPNX, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix (DMA 11), all effective Sept. 28.

“We are proud to see these leaders take on new responsibilities,” said Lynn Beall, executive vice president and COO for media operations, Tegna. “Richard is the unique leader who harnesses all his skills and work ethic to hold his team to the same accountability and high standards he holds for himself. He has fostered a culture of inclusiveness and collaboration that has allowed WUSA9 to grow into one of the most innovative media outlets in the region. Richard’s sincere desire to see people grow makes him a fantastic leader, coach and mentor.

“Kate’s exceptional leadership, passion for storytelling, focus on community engagement and previous experience in Phoenix make her the perfect choice for KPNX. With her focus on nurturing talent and creating a ‘one team’ culture of collaboration, she and the team will continue to bring the very best news and information to the Greater Phoenix community.”

A D.C. native with extensive roots and appreciation for the DC-Virginia-Maryland community, Dyer joined WUSA in January of 2017. Since then, the company said, “Dyer and his team have led a complete transformation of WUSA9, leading the station to broadcast ratings and revenue share growth while recruiting a talented and diverse team that ensures the station is a true reflection of its community.

“Dyer and his team have transformed the station’s news and digital content, starting with morning news. Launched in 2018, Get Up DC! has seen substantial ratings growth since its inception. In the 11 p.m. newscast, Dyer and his team launched a single anchor show to reflect the unique viewpoint of award-winning and longtime anchor Lesli Foster. And in late 2019, Dyer and his team created The Q and A, another first-of-its-kind program with anchor Bruce Johnson that dedicates the entire half hour to answering questions from the community. WUSA9 has gained share in morning, early evening and late news in the key 25-54 demographic from January-June (Source: Nielsen). The station’s digital growth has followed its ratings success, with video plays and digital visitors up more than 100% year-to-date over the same period in 2019.”

Kate Morris

Kate Morris is joining KPNX from KTVB, the NBC affiliate in Boise, Idaho, where she was president and general manager responsible. Morris was named president and general manager in 2018 after previously serving seven years as executive news director. She joined the station in 2006 and, during her tenure at the station, participated in the Tegna Executive Leadership Program.

According to Tegna: “During her tenure at KTVB, Morris led the team in transforming all of the station’s newscasts and growing audience across digital platforms. In 2020, KTVB launched The 208 at 5 p.m., creating an immersive audience experience focused on quality journalism, inspiring storytelling and community conversation around diverse issues. Under Morris’ leadership, KTVB also launched Boise’s first five-day a week lifestyle show, Idaho Today, during the COVID-19 pandemic. KTVB has increased its already dominant news share across all dayparts in 2020.

“KTVB is also Idaho’s most-visited local news website and top-ranked local news mobile app. Year-to-date, total visitors have increased 148 percent and video plays have increased by more than 300%,” Tegna said.

Prior to joining KTVB, Morris was a news producer for KSAZ in Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University.