CBS Detroit has been nothing short of a train wreck and is now seeing a change at the top of the news department.

FTVLive was the FIRST to tell you that WBBM (Chicago) GM Jennifer Lyons was brought in to fix the mess in Motown.

Lyons was overseeing CBS Detroit while continuing to run WBBM.

It appears that her role is stay that way. This is the email that was sent to the staff from CBS boss Jennifer Mitchell.

I am delighted to announce that Jennifer Lyons will continue her outstanding work with you at CBS Detroit, taking on an expanded role as the Regional General Manager/President for both Detroit and Chicago.

Since stepping in at the station in May, Jennifer has laid a foundation for the future of CBS Detroit. Her vision and efforts to transform our station’s functions internally and externally are clear, and the way you all have leaned in to deliver and trust her leadership makes it clear to me that this is a union and direction that needs to continue. We have made a pledge to serve this community with news excellency and I’m confident and pleased with what I’m seeing from all of you. Let’s continue with this positive momentum and direction of our newsroom.

Please join me in congratulating Jennifer on her new role. We look forward to the continued growth and success of CBS Detroit under her visionary leadership.

Best regards,
Jennifer

A memo also went out from Lyons to the staff and it involves big changes at the top of news leadership.

Team CBS Detroit,

I am pleased to announce a new CBS Detroit team member and leader: Kennan Oliphant, who will assume the new role of VP of News and Station Manager of CBS Detroit. His first day is on Aug. 19. Kennan joins us with an extensive background in news leadership and a deep commitment to fostering positive newsroom environments. He will report directly to me, lead the newsroom and its day-to-day functions, and serve as the primary station manager when I’m in Chicago.

One of the many things that stood out to me is that Kennan is a native, originally from Detroit, is highly knowledgeable, and understands the region and the communities. He is personable, has an infectious energy, and is thoughtful and passionate. His expertise and experience are key to our day-to-day newsroom operations as we reinvigorate our station, strategic direction, staff, and our pledge to be the digital newsroom of the future. He brings a wealth of experience to our team and has built a diverse career in journalism, living in multiple states and serving in various capacities.

In addition to leading newsroom functions, Kennan will recruit on-air talent, and also work closely with Mike Stewart ensuring proper brand vision and overseeing the planning and execution for our newscasts on broadcast and digital platforms.

Previously, Kennan served as the Senior Director of News for the ABC affiliate WXYZ/WMYD in Detroit, where he was responsible for every newsroom function, from developing strategic plans for all platforms to creating a positive newsroom culture. He also served as the Assistant News Director at the station for two years. His experience also includes his tenure as the Senior Manager of Broadcast for WCPO 9 On Your Side in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He began his career behind the scenes as a writer for WDIV Local 4 in Detroit before becoming an on-air reporter for KNOE 8 in Monroe, Louisiana. His journey took him to Evansville, Indiana; Dayton, Ohio; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; and Memphis, Tennessee, where he held roles ranging from reporter to Manager of Coverage and Content.

Please join me in welcoming Kennan Oliphant to our team.

With this news structure, I have another exciting announcement to share that I’m confident will further underscore our goals and strengthen the success of our newsroom!

I am very excited to share that Paul Pytlowany is taking on a new role as the VP/Director of News Content and Special Projects. Under this new structure, Paul will shift his focus to meet the evolving needs of our newsroom and the communities we serve, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing media landscape. He will oversee the look and direction of locally produced news content, emphasizing creativity and brand identity, meeting regularly, and collaborating with our team of MSJs to enhance story development. He will lead the creation of live remote broadcasts, special projects, local community content, and big tentpole events. Paul will work closely with our anchors, MSJs, EPIC, and meteorologists.

Paul's new role is crucial for the continued advancement of our newsroom, allowing us to innovate and adapt to the demands of a digital-first environment. His role will be vital as we continue to produce high-quality, engaging content for our audience. You will hear more from Paul directly, but in the meantime, please join me in congratulating Paul Pytlowany on his new role.

We look forward to the exciting developments and successes this new structure will bring to CBS Detroit.

Best regards,
Jennifer Lyons
Regional General Manager/President, CBS Detroit and CBS Chicago