Albuquerque’s KOB has hired Laurie Passman, an assistant ND with Phoenix’s KTVK, as news director.
“She brings a lot of passion, skill and leadership to our news operation,” said Mike Burgess, KOB’s vice president and general manager, in announcing the hiring. “Laurie is from Albuquerque. Her knowledge of the city and the news business will insure we continue to produce the best news in town.”
Passman grew up in the Albuquerque area and attended the University of New Mexico. She began her TV news career as an intern with KOB in 1996.
“I was a weekend assignment editor, then weekend morning show producer. I drove live trucks, answered phones and organized files. I would have swept the floor if they asked,” Passman said, recalling her previous experience with KOB. “I credit my experience there with giving me a solid foundation in the news business.”
Passman left KOB in 1999 to join KTVK as an assignment editor and producer. After a stint as an executive producer with KTVK’s crosstown rival KNXV, she returned to the Belo-owned station in 2008. In addition to serving as assistant ND, Passman worked as an executive producer of KTVK’s morning newscast.
“I can’t wait to get reacquainted with Albuquerque and eat some real green chile,” Passman said.