Scripps Hires Les Vann As WFTX VP-GM

Les Vann, a television industry executive with roots in journalism, is the new vice president and general manager of E.W. Scripps-owned Fox affiliate WFTX Fort Myers, Fla. (DMA 61), effective Sept. 12.

He succeeds Charlie Henrich who left in June.

Vann, who left the GM post at WISH Indianapolis last week, also has GM experience in Cincinnati and Savannah, Ga.

At WISH, when the station lost its CBS affiliation, he restructured the station and expanded news to replace the lost network programming. He also successfully negotiated with numerous sports teams and leagues to bring more programming into the market.

“Les possesses the very best qualities for a Scripps GM,” said Debbie Turner, VP of station operations for Scripps. “He embodies our mission to create a better-informed world while having the business acumen to be a strong partner with local businesses and community organizations. He also has tremendous interpersonal skills to build lasting relationships with community leaders. We see so much potential at WFTX Fox4, and the station is in a position to achieve ratings and revenue growth with Les at the helm.”

Vann was president and GM at WJCL-WTGS in Savannah from 2013 to 2014, during a time of great transformation. He was responsible for operations of the ABC and Fox affiliates amid significant personnel reorganization, rebranding and community involvement changes. During these transitions, the station achieved growth in ratings, digital engagement and market revenue share.

As VP and GM of WKRC and its CW affiliate in Cincinnati, Vann oversaw technology improvements, news expansion and union negotiations and won affiliate awards from the CW network.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in mass communication from Illinois State University, he spent 17 years at WICS Springfield, Ill., working every job in the newsroom from intern to news director.