The Atlanta Shakeup
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Personnel changes in TV newsrooms are nothing new, it's the nature of the beast in the TV news industry.
But, looking at the Atlanta market you have seen many changes across the entire market.
Let's look at some of the bigger changes that have rocked Atlanta newsrooms recently:
Yesterday, FTVLive told you the latest departure and it was Karen Graham, who will be leaving WAGA next Wednesday (September 7) after 16 years with the Fox owned-and-operated station. As FTVLive FIRST reported, Constance Jones will likely taking Graham's spot.
WAGA has since filled another Good Day vacancy, in the form of Alyse Eady replacing Gurvir Dhindsa. Lisa Rayam's replacement has yet to be decided, and much speculation since last summer that former WGCL anchor Stephany Fisher is possibly being considered (assuming she's on the short-list of potential candidates), despite Fisher taking a freelance writer position with The Washington Post, and remaining in Atlanta.
WSB has parted ways with Erin Coleman and this week, Erica Byfield is heading to the Big Apple, and Matt Belanger leaving earlier this year. Belanger's replacement Justin Wilfon has since been hired. Coleman's replacement has yet to be named. Possible options include Weekend morning anchor Sophia Choi, Weekend evening anchor Wendy Carona, Noon anchor Carol Sbarge, and Morning anchor Linda Stouffer, unless WSB management is looking to picking a talent from a Cox sister station, or elsewhere. Poaching a big name from WAGA, WXIA, or WGCL seems unlikely.
WXIA has yet to make an announcement on its weekend anchor assignments, whether Blayne Alexander will remain weekend evening, and Jennifer Bellamy on weekend morning, or if WXIA management has other plans. It's been almost 5 months since Keith Whitney left, along with reporters Kevin Rowson, and Donna Lowry. Lowry was hired by Cobb County school system over the summer. With David Wilkinson leaving after 2 years, it'd appear that we may see Kim Smith filling the weekend sports anchor role till further notice. Melissa Long has since come back from her maternity leave.
WGCL hasn't seen major turnovers, except behind the scenes. News director Larry Perret moving to California to be closer to family, and former KVUE news director Frank Volpicella replacing Perret, and the addition of Julie Smith to the morning shift. Melinda Roeder leaving earlier in the year.
