WMOR Tampa GM Ken Lucas To Retire

Kenneth A. Lucas, president and general manager since 1998 of WMORV, Hearst Television’s independent station in Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (DMA 13), market, will retire in June, capping 17 years at the helm of the market’s No. 1 independent TV station and four decades in television. His successor will be announced at a future date.

Under Lucas’ leadership, WMOR became America’s top independent, or non-network-affiliated, TV station in the top 25 local people meter markets in the station’s key demographics, according to Hearst. It also became the market’s home of the Estrella Spanish-language network and the This TV movie network multicast channels.

“Ken’s enthusiasm, creativity and innovative spirit have been instrumental in turning WMOR into a powerhouse independent station,” said Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. “He’s been a savvy programmer, marketer and promoter, helping WMOR build a stronger presence in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market.”

Before his 1998 promotion to general manager, Lucas was general sales manager of WMOR when it was then doing business under the call letters WWWB.

Lucas, who joined WWWB in 1996, previously was local sales manager for WTSP and before that, served in the same capacity for WTVT, both in Tampa.

Previously, he was director of sales for Bahakel Broadcasting and held senior positions at stations including WBAK Terre Haute, Ind., where he was general sales manager, and WKAB Montgomery, Ala., where he was general manager.

Lucas holds a B.S. in radio and television from Indiana State University.