Todd Mokhtari Named KNBC News Chief

NBC O&O KNBC Los Angeles (DMA 2) today named Todd Mokhtari vice president of news. Mokhtari, who brings more than 20 years of broadcast television experience to the role, will report directly to Steve Carlston, the station’s president-GM. Mokhtari begins his new post on June 11. He succeeds Vickie Burns who resigned in March.

Mokhtari joins KNBC from KIRO Seattle. Since 2007, he has been news director and Web manager, directing all news gathering operations, digital and social media strategies for the station.

In 2006, Mokhtari was managing editor at KNBC, managing the day-to-day coverage and editorial direction of the news department. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the assistant news director for KNTV San Jose, Calif. From 1997 to 2002, Mokhtari was the news director for the KCPQ Seattle.

Mokhtari began his career at KCRA Sacramento, Calif. Starting as an intern, he quickly moved into a writer and producer position for the station’s morning newscast. Later, he produced the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts.

Mokhtari is a graduate of University of California, Davis. He holds degrees in political science and rhetoric and communications.