John Idler has been named president and general manager of WLS, the ABC O&O in Chicago, ABC announced today.
Idler joins WLS from WTVD, the ABC O&O in Raleigh-Durham, where he has been president and general manager for five years. The new position returns him to WLS, where he was vice president and general sales manager from 2004-07.
“John Idler’s outstanding track record in Raleigh-Durham and his earlier local TV management experience in Chicago demonstrate a consistent commitment to excellence in community service and station operations,” Rebecca Campbell, president of the ABC O&Os, said in a statement. “We all congratulate John on his promotion as he returns to WLS-TV in Chicago as President and General Manager.”
Idler succeeds Emily Barr, who left WLS last month to lead the Post-Newsweek station group. His appointment is effective immediately.