Akili Franklin Named WYFF News Director

Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WYFF Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson, S.C. (DMA 38), said today that Akili Franklin will join as news director in August. This will be a return to the market for Franklin who previously spent eight years working in the newsroom at WYFF.

“I’m thrilled to bring someone as talented as Akili back to our newsroom,” said WYFF President-GM John Humphries. “She has a strong knowledge of this market, a passion for storytelling, and a track record of producing outstanding local news. She grew through the ranks here, and we’re proud that she’s coming back to lead the WYFF News 4 team.”

Franklin has been news director at Hearst’s WDSU New Orleans since 2016. Under her leadership, WDSU News thrived and by 2017, became the No. 1 local newscast in several dayparts. Franklin’s success was rewarded with multiple Emmy, AP and Louisiana Association of Broadcasters awards.  Her team was also nationally recognized in 2018 with the Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News.

“I’m excited to come back and lead a team I worked with for so many years,” said Franklin. “WYFF 4 has a history of strong leadership and dedication to covering this community, and I’m honored for the opportunity to continue that commitment to excellence in broadcasting.”

Before going to WDSU, Franklin was assistant news director at co-owned WVTM Birmingham, Ala. During her first stint at WYFF, she was news producer and later was promoted to executive producer. Franklin has spent most of her career with Hearst Television, also working as a news producer at WPBF West Palm Beach, FL.

Franklin succeeds Bruce Barkley, who was promoted to president and general manager of Hearst’s KHBS-KHOG in Fayetteville, Ark.