Changing Leaders in Baton Rouge

Rocky Daboval

WBRZ General Manager Rocky Daboval is calling it quits after decades at the station.

As he looks back, he wishes he was younger.

“I wish I was 20 years younger. This may be the best time to be in local TV,” Daboval said as he announced his retirement from WBRZ after nearly fifty years at the station. It’s a line he’s used often with his closest colleagues over the last two years as he’s looked beyond a global health crisis and uncertain political landscape, peering into the next generation of broadcasting, journalism, and business partnerships.

 “I cannot imagine a better television station. Frankly, there is not one. There is not a station that cares as much about our community and what we are doing than the Manship family,” Daboval said.

Trey Schmaltz

WBRZ is owned by the Manship family and is one of the few private ownership stations left.

 “Change is an exciting opportunity for all of us. Rocky has led us through important moments – both at WBRZ and in our community. We’ve been lucky to have Rocky guide our industry and he’s lucky to be able to now be able to spend more time with his family,” Richard Manship, WBRZ and Manship Media President/CEO said.

 Daboval will oversee the transition to a new station general manager over the next four months.

WBRZ immediately appointed Trey Schmaltz as WBRZ General Manager to replace Daboval. Schmaltz, a Louisiana native, and 12-year station veteran has spent the last year-and-a-half as WBRZ’s Director of News.