In the last 24 hours, two local news executives have been named to network news division posts: Dave Davis moves from general manager of WABC to executive vice president of ABC News. And Shannon High-Bassalik takes on the #1 job of live news coverage for MSNBC after running local newsrooms, most recently WFOR/WBFS in Miami. Having worked in both local and network news, I can tell you the perception still exists that being “at the network” carries more weight than “being in local.” Perhaps in viewership, ad revenue and salaries that is true. But, if these two announcements say anything, it’s that network execs are seeing what the local guys, and gals, can do.
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