TVSpy
WPIX, CW’s flagship station in New York, has named Bill Carey as its news director. A native New Yorker, Carey is a veteran of the market, having previously served as news director of WCBS.
It’s been a long, winding road back to New York City for Carey, who most recently headed up the newsroom of WQAD in the #99 “Quad Cities” market along the Illinois-Iowa border. Cary landed at the ABC-affiliate WQAD after a GM tenure at Tampa’s WFTS that was marred by controversy.
In 2007, Carey faced charges of burglary and battery following a hit-and-run crash. After being put on paid leave by the station, he was eventually cleared of all charges but the six months that the case was tied up in court strained relationships at the station. Carey resigned his post at WFTS shortly after being cleared. In a letter to the staff, Carey wrote of the incident, “I am painfully aware of the distractions it caused and assure you I did what can be done to move it along.”
Carey launched his career at WCBS, where he served as news director from 1996 to 1999 and assistant news director from 1994 to 1996. During his time at WCBS, the station received an Edward R. Murrow award as well as several local Emmys.
“I’m honored to be selected,” Carey said in a press release. “WPIX already feels like home and I’m eager to get to work.”
“Bill’s expertise and experience will be a huge asset to PIX. I look forward to working with him and continuing to grow our presence in local news,” said Betty Ellen Berlamino, PIX President and General Manager, in making the announcement.