The Deuce at Chicago blowtorch WLS is moving into the News Director’s office.

The ABC O&O announced that Assistant News Director Doug Whitmire has been promoted to vice president of News.

“Doug has been a leading force in the newsroom for more than two decades and a key contributor to our success.  His impeccable news judgement and in-depth knowledge of Chicago make him ideally suited to take the helm of ABC 7 Eyewitness News,” said John Idler, GM of WLS.

 Whitmire said, “When I walked into 190 N. State 21 years ago, I remember the sense of awe I had for ABC 7, and I’m fortunate to have the same feeling today. I am inspired by the work the team does day in and day out to serve the people of Chicago. I am looking forward to leading Chicago’s No. 1 news and the hardest working team in the business.”

Since starting at the station in 2003 as a newswriter/producer, Whitmire has been promoted throughout his ABC 7 career. In 2008, he took over as the executive producer of ABC 7 Chicago’s morning news and became the executive producer of the 10 p.m. newscast in 2014. Seven years later, he was again promoted to the position of assistant news director.

August 5th is his first official day in the chair.