Trying to make a name for itself in news, Detroit independent station WADL is making a lot of news of its own.
A month after launching a 9 p.m. newscast, WADL fired recently hired news director Matt Stevens on his first day, today.
Stevens’s dismissal comes a week after WADL fired consultant Kevin O’Brien, the former president of Meredith’s broadcasting division, for violating “numerous corporate policies.”
WADL sent out a press release this morning, announcing Stevens’ firing, with the headline “WADL Detroit Disgorges Remnants of Kevin O’ Brien.”
The press release states that Stevens was greeted by WADL’s security chief on his first day of work and informed that his services were no longer needed by the station.
Here’s the full press release…
WADL Detroit Disgorges Remnants of Kevin O’ Brien
DETROIT, Feb. 27, 2012 — On his first day of work, Matt Stevens was met by WADL TV Detroit Security Chief former FBI Officer Rich Mazzari. Stevens was informed that per direct instructions from CEO Kevin Adell, his services would no longer be needed at WADL TV Detroit. Stevens was escorted from the station property by security.
Matt Stevens was personally selected by Kevin O’Brien to serve as the station’s News Director. O’Brien was terminated on February 23rd by CEO Kevin Adell for inappropriate conduct.
Announcing the hiring of Stevens last week, WADL general manager Matt Uhl said it was “the start of many great things to come.”
Most recently, Stevens worked as a senior correspondent at WOIO in Cleveland. It’s unclear what relationship, if any, Stevens had with O’Brien before he was hired.
Calls to the station’s press representative were not immediately returned.