Obama Taps WREG’s Ron Walter For TVA

On Thursday, President Barack Obama announced the appointment of several new key roles in his administration.  Ron Walter, president -GM of Tribune Broadcastings’ CBS affiliate WREG Memphis (DMA 50), was named a member of the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

The TVA provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average.  Established by Congress in 1933 to address a wide range of environmental, economic, and technological issues, including the delivery of low-cost electricity and the management of natural resources, TVA also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development.

Walter has served in a variety of positions at WREG since 1987.  He was EVP-station manager from 1994 to 2004, concurrently serving as VP of government and cable relations for the New York Times Broadcast Group, WREG’s former parent company from 2001 to 2004.

he was vp-station manager from 1991 to 1994, vp of government and Public Relations from 1989 to 1990, and director of marketing, production and client services from 1987 to 1989.

Walter was VP of customer relations for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division from 1982 to 1987.  From 1980 to 1982, he served as assistant to the president at Memphis Light, Gas and Water.

He received a B.A. from Clark University and an M.S.L.S. from Case Western Reserve University.

Of the appointments, President Obama said: “I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”