Sue Stephens has been named news director of Hearst-owned Birmingham NBC affiliate WVTM.
Stephens was news director at Hearst’s Albuquerque station KOAT for 12 years. She replaces Tim Gardner who announced he was leaving the station last month.
According to Al.com, KOAT was a market leader under Stephens’ leadership.
Under Stephens’ leadership, KOAT’s newscasts have been ranked No. 1 in both household and demographic ratings, and its morning newscast is often No. 1 among all ABC affiliates in the country in demographic ratings, according to the NBC 13 release.
Also during her tenure, the New Mexico Broadcasters Association named KOAT station of the year four times, according to the release. Stephens also is the recipient of an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award, both of which recognize excellence in broadcasting.