Will Dillard Named News Director Of WJCL

Hearst-owned ABC affiliate WJCL Savannah, Ga. (DMA 89), has promoted Will Dillard to news director.

Dillard succeeds Sinan Sadar, who was promoted to director, news talent recruitment at Hearst Television earlier this month.

Dillard joined the WJCL news team as assistant news director in 2015. Under his leadership, WJCL said, the station “became the No. 1 source for online local news in the area and the fastest-growing local news provider in Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.”

He led the news team’s coverage through some of the biggest news stories including Hurricane Matthew and the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure the station has been honored with Best Staff Coverage from the Associated Press (2018) and Best Newscast from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.

“Will is a proven leader who brings a wealth of editorial and producing skills to the position,” said WJCL President-GM Timothy J. Morrissey. “He has worked tirelessly to help build WJCL’s news presence and his unwavering commitment to strong multiplatform journalism and knowledge of the market uniquely qualify him for his new role.”

Prior to Savannah, Dillard worked as an assignment manager and producer at WPBF, the Hearst Television ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Dillard began his career in journalism as an associate producer and writer at a Miami television station.

He received his undergraduate degree in mass communications from Western Carolina University and his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Miami.