UTICA -- For the second time, NewsChannel 2 (WKTV) news reporter Pat Bailey is bidding farewell to his co-workers on Smith Hill. Last time, he was simply changing careers, but staying in Utica. This time, he's staying in TV but changing stations. And in other news from WKTV, some earlier promotions are now officially announced to the public.
Here's the announcement Bailey posted this afternoon on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/PB_Reporter/status/236491113861636097
It was exactly one year and one week ago that we reported Bailey's original departure from the NBC affiliate. At that time, the station said he had accepted an offer to become the general manager of a new sports bar in Utica.
Since we can't watch WKTV on cable here at CNYTVNews.com HQ, we're not sure exactly when Bailey returned to the station, but we're glad we just happened to check Twitter at the right time today, and we wish him the best at Albany's WRGB.
Speaking of WKTV, the station issued a press release this afternoon announcing the promotions of Steve McMurray to Station Manager, and Daphne Berle to General Sales Manager. You may recall reading about McMurray's promotion right here last month, when it was first announced. Apparnetly Berle's promotion took place at the same time, but we hadn't caught wind of it until today's press release from the station.
Although Berle just joined WKTV and CW11 as a Senior Account Executive in June, she arrived with more than 20 years of media sales and management experience. Prior to joining WKTV, she worked for the Utica Observer-Dispatch, the formerly-Citadel cluster of radio stations in Syracuse, for WKTV's competition across the street at Nexstar (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY), and at the Utica-Rome clusters of radio stations then-owned by Regent Broadcasting (now Townsquare Media) and The Radio Corporation (now Galaxy).
Here's the full text of WKTV's press release:
Management Promotions Announced at WKTV and CW11
Steve McMurray named Station Manager
Frankfort native and long time area broadcaster Steve McMurray has been promoted to Station Manager at WKTV and CW11. In his new role, Steve will oversee day-to-day operations of the station while continuing to serve as News Director and anchor of the Live at Five Newshour.
“Steve’s experience, market knowledge, position in the community and his broad range of operational expertise are exactly what we need as we continue to push forward,” said Steve Doerr, Vice President and Group Manager of Smith Media’s New York/New England region, WKTV’s parent company. Doerr adds, “Steve uniquely understands the nuances of the Utica market and he has a deep sense of the culture, history and tradition of our station and the community as a whole.”
“I’m very fortunate to have this new opportunity without having to leave the community that means so much to me,” said McMurray. “I’m excited to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, but the team we have at WKTV is the best in the business, which I know will make my job that much easier,” added McMurray.
“Despite adding new responsibilities, it was very important to me that I will be able to continue focusing on keeping NewsChannel 2 the Mohawk Valley’s news leader.” NewsChannel 2 newscasts have consistently been the most viewed local programs in Central New York for many years, and have earned numerous NYS Broadcasters Association and NYS Associated Press Awards.
McMurray joined WKTV in August 2002 as Assignment Manager, before becoming News Director in 2004. Prior to his tenure at WKTV, Steve spent seven years in various capacities including News Director at WUTR-TV in Utica.
After graduating from Frankfort-Schuyler High School, McMurray earned his Broadcast Journalism/Political Science Degree from Syracuse University. He still lives in Frankfort with his wife Carrie, and two children, Jack and Audrey.
Daphne Berle named General Sales Manager
Veteran Central New York media executive Daphne Berle has been named General Sales Manager for WKTV and CW11, the Smith Media stations in Central New York. The announcement was made by Steve Doerr, Vice President and Group Manager for Smith Media’s New York/New England region. “Daphne is a smart and talented sales executive who has a broad and unique view of the market and outstanding relationships in the Utica business community,” he said. “We’re delighted to have such an experienced and skilled person leading our sales teams in the Utica/Rome market.”
Berle joined WKTV in June 2012 as a Senior Account Executive, bringing with her over 20 years of print, electronic and digital media sales and management experience. “I’m honored to be promoted to General Sales Manager at WKTV and CW11. WKTV is one of the most powerful television stations and strongest brands in the country, and I look forward to working with our terrific local and national sales teams to grow our business and serve our community.”
From 2006 to 2012, Berle was employed by the Utica Observer-Dispatch. She was hired as the Classified Outside Sales Manager. In the fall of 2006, Berle was promoted to Retail Display Manager and most recently served as the Multimedia Advertising Manager.
From 2001 to 2006, Berle worked as a Senior Account Executive at Citadel Communications (WNTQ, WLTI - radio), at Regent Broadcasting (WFRG, WODZ - radio) and at Nexstar Broadcasting (WUTR, WFXV, WPNY - television).
In 1991, Berle worked as a freelance desktop publisher for Herb Philipson’s Army and Navy Stores where she helped produce and design all print advertising. In late 1991, she was hired full time and until 1997 served as the Marketing and Media Buyer where she was responsible for all aspects of the advertising department for the five store chain. In 1997, Berle was recruited by The Radio Corporation and hired as an Account Executive for WRCK, WKLL and WTLB. In the fall of 1997, she was promoted to National and Regional Sales Manager for those stations working in both the Syracuse and Utica markets. In 1999, she was appointed to Local Sales Manager of WKLL for Galaxy Communications in Utica.
After graduating from Gloversville High School, Berle moved to the Mohawk Valley to attend Utica College with a concentration in Construction Management. The use of CAD/CADD systems and programs helped pave the way for her career in advertising design and media sales.
She resides in Whitesboro with her two sons, Zachary and Camryn.
Thanks to WKTV's Michelle Liddy for including cnyradio@cnyradio.com on her press release distribution list! We're always interested in the latest happenings at TV stations in Utica and Syracuse, and at radio stations in those same two markets plus the Ithaca/Cortland region. Anytime you've got news to share, email us or use the Contact Form.