Michael Neelly has been promoted to president and gm of Hearts-owned Jackson, Miss. ABC affiliate WAPT.
On January 1, 2016, Neelly returns to Jackson to replace Stuart Kellogg, who announced his retirement in October. Neelly was a photojournalist and producer in Jackson in the 1990s.
“For the last fifteen years, Mike has successfully led two Hearst Television news operations to new heights, building award-winning newscasts, increasing audience, and launching new digital products,” said Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Television’s president. “His accomplishments, coupled with his strong leadership style and deep Mississippi roots, make Mike an excellent successor to carry on the overall growth and commitment to the local community that has been a hallmark of the WAPT team during Stuart Kellogg’s tenure.”
Neelly has been news director at Hearst’s WLWT in Cincinnati, Ohio since 2012. He was news director at Hearst-owned WLKY in Louisville, Ky. before that. He started his career as a freelance photographer for ESPN, CBS and TBS sports.