Hearst owned WAPT (Jackson, Mississippi) has named Rick McLaughlin as the station’s new News Director

The announcement was made today by WAPT General Manager, Mike Neelly.

“We’re very fortunate to welcome Rick to the 16 WAPT newsroom, and we’re thrilled at the level of enthusiasm, experience, and dedication to high quality journalism he brings to the position,” says WAPT President and General Manager Mike Neelly. “Rick will not only lead, develop, and mentor our fine journalists but will make an excellent complement to our leadership team. We look forward to working with Rick to provide bigger and better services to our Mississippi community.”

McLaughlin began his career as a morning news producer in Cincinnati, then rose to lead newsrooms in Milwaukee, Saint Louis, and Boston as an Executive Producer.

He joined the Hearst Television family in 2010 when he accepted the role of Assistant News Director at Cincinnati’s WLWT-TV.

Since 2014, he has served as Assistant News Director at WESH-TV, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in Orlando.

“I am honored to be leading such a talented team at WAPT,” says McLaughlin. “I look forward to being part of the station’s continued success and serving the Jackson community.”

He joins WAPT in his new role March 4.