Rick Rogala Named GM Of WBNS Columbus

Rick Rogala today was appointed president and general manager of WBNS, Tegna’s CBS affiliate in Columbus, Ohio, effective Feb. 26. He will be responsible for the station’s operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers. He will also have oversight for WBNS-AM-FM and ONN Radio (Ohio News Network).

Rogala joins WBNS from WATN and WLMT, Tegna’s ABC and CW affiliates in Memphis. In partnership with the Memphis leadership team, Rogala built the WATN/ABC24 brand and culture from the ground up, propelling the organization to the position of fastest-growing news source in Memphis. Under Rogala’s leadership, WATN received three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards in three years, the most by a Memphis station in three years and the first for WATN in seven years.

“Rick is an established and experienced broadcast professional whose talent has been instrumental in enhancing multiple stations across various markets over the years,” said Larry Delia, senior vice president of media operations, Tegna. “Rick’s unique blend of culture-building and strategic thinking has yielded strong results in Memphis. He is an excellent collaborator and community partner, capable of inspiring and motivating those around him. We are thrilled to welcome him to the storied brand of WBNS in Columbus.”

Prior to WANT-WLMT, Rogala held senior level media leadership roles including senior vice president at Nexstar Media Group, where he was responsible for direct operations oversight of 12 markets and the creation and implementation of companywide sales training and revenue initiatives. Earlier in his career, Rogala was general manager at television stations in six markets: Tampa, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids and Little Rock.

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