KNBC Names Renee Washington VP Of News

Renee Washington

NBC-owned KNBC Los Angeles (DMA 2) today promoted Renee Washington to vice president of news.

Washington, who brings more than 20 years of broadcast television experience to the role, will report directly to Steve Carlston, KNBC president-GM, and begins her new post immediately.

Washington has been KNBC’s assistant news director since last fall. She co-directed all news gathering operations and digital and social media strategies for the station. She has played an integral role in managing the day-to-day operations of the newsroom.

Last year, she launched Streets of Shame — the first of its kind television news franchise with a commitment to the issue of homelessness, which many call a humanitarian disaster in Southern California.  She has led the newsroom to investigate the people on the street, while examining factors of mental illness, drug addiction and housing. The investigation seeks to evoke change in the community and hold people with power accountable to address this crisis. While at the station, Washington has helped the station achieve ratings milestones.

“Renee’s experience as a news leader in major markets like Los Angeles and New York will enhance our already strong newscasts,” said Steve Carlston, KNBC president-GM. “Her knowledge of Southern California, dedication and commitment to quality journalism makes her the ideal leader for our news team.”

She also provided on-air support to the station’s signature holiday campaign, Help 4 The Hungry, a community initiative that raised nearly $400,000 for food shelters in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties in 2018.

Prior to joining KNBC, Washington held leadership roles at the Disney-ABC Television Group in Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. She has also been a producer and executive producer in Cleveland, Tampa and her home state of Indiana.

Washington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in telecommunications from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and participates as a mentor to students and young women of color.