WLBT News Director back on anchor desk

You might notice a familiar face on the WLBT morning newscast today. Wilson Stribling sits back down in the morning anchor chair, a role he held for 11 years. He moved into management, and eventually became the current News Director at the station. Getting back on the anchor desk is a permanent move, and that means he will be stepping out of the role as News Director when WLBT finds a replacement.

Stibling replaces Brandon Artiles on the anchor desk. Artiles' last day on the air was Friday. He is taking a job in Memphis, where his family is from. And that opened a challenge and an opportunity.

"It created this gaping hole for us going into the November ratings [period]," Stribling said. "My General Manager talked about me anchoring, on a temporary basis."

But the more Stribling thought about it, the more he wanted it to be a permanent move.

"There are parts of that job that I really missed," Stribling said. "I was probably the happiest I had ever been in at this station when I was doing morning television before. Not to say I was unhappy in any of the intervening years, but that's when I felt like I was at my strongest – reporting the news every day. And I can't wait to get back to that."

Stribling and General Manager Dan Modisett made the announcement to the entire staff on Thursday. But Stribling had talked to his news managers before that, because he knew during the transition time, they would be asked to do more.

"I realize in choosing this move, I've shifted a good deal of burden to them, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't think they could totally handle it. And it's only temporary," Stribling said.

The search begins for WLBT's next News Director, and when that person is in place, Stribling will be an anchor/reporter full time. Anchoring the morning news on WLBT and Fox 40, then reporting on a story for a later newscast.

It's been a while since Stribling has been on the anchor desk and there are a lot of changes. Anchors use iPads now, instead of paper scripts. There is social media that constantly needs updated. Stribling admits he might be a little rusty, but hopes people remember him and tune in. He is also excited about reporting the news on a daily basis again.

"There is something about being a part of getting [the news] out there. It's not just about knowing everything or being able to hear about everything. It's about being able to tell everyone else about it," Stribling said. "Once you experience the thrill of being able to do that, and perhaps make a difference in the choice somebody makes in a day.. that's powerful stuff. Getting back into the newsroom is a seductive proposal I couldn't resist."

This change comes as Mondisett prepares for his retirement, which was announced in August. His replacement is going to be Ted Fortenberry, who is the Vice President and General Manager of WMBF, the Raycom sister station to WLBT in Myrtle Beach.

Dawn R. Dugle is the Community Engagement Editor at The Clarion-Ledger. She is also @MsWr1te on Twitter.