This morning, FTVLive told you that WWSB in Sarasota was looking for a new News Director. Steve Sabota is leaving his role as ND, but he is not leaving the station.

Sabota will remain at the station in the newly created position of Director of Development and Community Engagement. Don't ask me, I have no clue what that is either. 

"For an old news guy who have been knocking around since the mid 70’s, this is just about as good as it gets and I am very grateful to the folks at Calkins Media for recognizing the value of the work I will be doing in the future, Sabota tells FTVLive. 

 Here is the internal email sent to the staff from GM Jeff Benninghoff and obtained by FTVLive

From: Benninghoff, Jeff
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 6:50 PM
To: WWSB All Employees <WWSBAllEmployees@wwsb.tv>
Cc: Dughi, Paul <pdughi@waaytv.com>; Wildenstein, Jason <jwildenstein@wtxl.tv>
Subject: WWSB ABC Announcement

Hello all,
For the past three years Steve Sabato has led our News and Digital Content efforts at ABC 7 through an unprecedented period of change, growth, and innovation.

Some time ago Steve came to me and asked for a reassignment. He wanted to spend more time on Program development and Strategic initiatives that helped insure our brand would remain relevant and connected with the Community we serve. His concept did not include running the News department.

It took a while to figure out the best way to do this, but I can now report, with great enthusiasm, Steve's appointment to the newly created position of Director of Development and Community Engagement.

Development responsibilities will focus on the launch of Special Project content initiatives including long-form video programs for broadcast, cable and digital distribution. 

Community Engagement will include ongoing responsibilities at ABC7 for writing and reporting Editorials, as well as the launch and management of an ABC7 Editorial Advisory Board. 

Steve will report to me and Guy Tasaka.  He will start immediately after the February Rating Book.Please join me in congratulating him.

Jeff