Philly News Director Out

KYW the CBS O&O in Philly is about to have a change at the top pf the station’s news department.

According to an internal memo obtained by FTVLive, John Wilson will be leaving the station next week.

Wilson joined KYW as an Executive Producer in 2003 and was named Assistant News Director in 2010. He was bumped up to the big chair in November of 2017.

Here is the internal email sent to the staff and obtained by FTVLive:

From: Frank, Kelly
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2022 9:55:02 AM
To: @KYW-TV & WPSG-TV Everyone
Cc: Roark, Adrienne
Subject: STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT

We have a significant good-bye to share. This is the kind of announcement I would always prefer to do in person…however, given our remote and hybrid circumstances – this is the best way to ensure all of you are aware of this change coming to KYW & WPSG.

 After nearly 20 years in this operation, VP of News John Wilson has decided to leave CBS Philadelphia. John and I have had many conversations about who we are, where we are going and what that requires of all of us in the weeks and months ahead. To his credit, he spent a lot of time reflecting and ultimately decided leaving was best for him and his family.

 As you are likely aware, John came to us from Orlando in 2003, as the morning EP --- when Steve Lindsay was one of the producers! John moved to the 11pm EP spot after a few weeks.   He was later promoted to Assistant News Director, and after two terms as interim News Director, became News Director in 2017. 

 While Philadelphia was not officially “home,” it was in many ways because his grandparents lived in Ardmore. He has many childhood memories of visits here, including riding Septa into the city to see the annual Wannamaker’s Christmas show.  His wife Barbara also grew up in Montgomery County, so knowledge of Philadelphia helped break the ice on their first date. And if you haven’t seen and heard John talk about Barbara, it’s a sight to behold. We should all have someone talk about us the way he does her!

 John has led this newsroom through change both internally and externally as we told and covered some major stories in our community: George Floyd protests, a Papal Visit, the Democratic National Convention, multiple weather stories, a Super Bowl Win, a World Series Win, and two Villanova National Championships.  

 In preparation for this note, I asked John to share some of his favorite memories. I could not bring myself to edit a single one so I am sharing them all! They do not disappoint:

Leading the 11pm team when we celebrated a #1 A 25-54 finish in January 2010 (with a 3.7!) – proving that it IS possible to beat WPVI.Launch of Eyewitness News @4 (the OG)Launch of “Celebrate 08!” which became our annual New Year’s Eve live fireworks broadcast.Working with Mark Olson to create virtual confetti in the event the Eagles won the Super Bowl – which they did – because real confetti could affect the studio cameras (and this one may be my personal favorite)Looking at the second Comcast Tower under construction, thinking it would be a great story, and eventually getting lifted by a crane to the top with Tori and Will Kenworthy for a preview. Best part, we scooped NBC 10 on their own building!Watching Jim Donovan and Ukee Washington perform cameos with the high school musicals in Cherry HillReading about an upcoming Eclipse a few months in advance, then launching two weeks of preview coverage known as Eclipse Fest. The only station in town to offer logo glasses for viewing – which brought a line that circled City Hall.Launching Weekly Wins!What I remember most is the privilege of working with this team and the interactions and collaboration, especially in the control room, in the edit bay, and at the computer terminal reviewing a script. I especially remember the resilience of this team to keep going through the pandemic and other challenges, especially the reporters and photographers who consistently deliver.

 I want to personally thank John for his partnership, guidance, and heartfelt conversations over the last three months. You have helped me find my way. You have been a source of understanding and you have put up with a million questions at all hours.   

You are a class act, sir.

We will celebrate John and Jonelle this Friday the 15th for a happy hour and all are invited.  I shared the information in my Friday note. It will be at Clementine’s from 5:30p to 8p.

 John’s last day in the building will be Friday, July 22nd.

He will remotely assist in the transition of our new VP of News the week of July 25th.

More on that announcement coming later… for now, we celebrate and honor John’s many years of service.

 With gratitude,

Kelly

KELLY FRANK
PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER