Scripps Names Steve Watt GM In Kansas City

E.W. Scripps Co. today appointed Steve Watt vice president and general manager of its KSHB (NBC) and KMCI (independent) in Kansas City (DMA 33), effective later this month. He is replacing Brian Bracco who is retiring this month after a multifaceted, successful media career.

Watt, 52, has 30 years of industry experience including the past 13 years at WKRN in Nashville. He was promoted through the ranks at the ABC affiliate where he demonstrated his ability to create a high-performing team with proven ratings and revenue success. The combination of his business acumen and mission focus makes him a great fit for Scripps.

Watt arrived at WKRN in 2004 as a local sales manager. Through the years, he was promoted to general sales manager, acting station manager and most recently to vice president and general manager. He guided his team through several company ownership changes, strategic planning and rebranding.

Prior to Nashville, Watt worked at several media businesses in the Quad Cities area in Iowa and Illinois. He gained nearly 15 years of experience working in media sales at a variety of different levels from account executive to local sales manager and general sales manager. With each new role, his results were the same, increased growth and new business opportunities.

Before entering the sales side of the business, Watt was a TV news reporter at WOI Des Moines, Iowa; WQAD Davenport, Iowa; and KDAO-AM-FM Marshalltown, Iowa.

Watt earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Iowa State University. He is a member of the ABC Sales Advisory Board and NABEF Executive Development Program.