WRAL Raleigh Names Mike Friedrich News Director

Mike Friedrich will take the news helm at longtime news leader WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC beginning May 2024.

Capitol Broadcasting’ affiliate WRAL Raleigh, N.C., today appointed Mike Friedrich news director, beginning in May. He will lead the WRAL News content team across all platforms, including WRAL, WRAZ (Fox), WNGT-CD (WRAL News+) and wral.com in addition to WRAL News content on all streaming platforms and FAST channels. The announcement was made today by Joel Davis, WRAL News+ VP-GM.

Friedrich currently leads the news team at KUTV Salt Lake City,. During his time there, ratings improved to No. 1 in both the morning and late news race and closed the gap considerably with a legacy competitor at 6 p.m. Friedrich also spearheaded growth on KUTV digital and social platforms, including a 143% subscriber increase on KUTV’s YouTube page.

Commenting on the new role, Friedrich said: “I am honored to join one of the nation’s most respected news teams, serving Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, and the surrounding communities across North Carolina. I consider WRAL to be on the Mount Rushmore of content centers. Their commitment to covering stories important to the Triangle and its dedication to showcasing what makes North Carolina unique and special is unmatched in the nation.”

Friedrich will take the WRAL News reins from 19-year WRAL News veteran Rick Gall, who announced his retirement last year. The station said the early announcement of Gall’s retirement “allows for overlap between Gall and Friedrich as WRAL News transitions to new leadership.”

Friedrich has worked as a news manager for more than 20 years, with previous management roles in Washington, Houston and Baltimore. He also served as a public affairs specialist and team lead at the U.S. Census Bureau’s Public Information Office.