Tom Lindner, who was let go by KARE in April after 15 years as the station’s VP of News, has landed at Anchorage’s KTUU, where he will serve as interim news director.
Schurz Communications executive Kerry Oslund announced the move on Twitter, saying, “One of the USA’s top ND’s, Tom Lindner, joins Schurz Comm. Inc. for interim assignment at KTUU-Alaska’s #1 news org. Welcome to SCI Tom.”
Lindner updated his employment status on his Facebook page last night to read “KTUU Interim News Director.” The update sparked an outpouring of support from friends and colleagues, including longtime KARE reporter Boyd Huppert, who delivered the station’s on-air farewell to Lindner in April.
“Congratulations on your new adventure,” Huppert wrote on Lindner’s wall. “You’re giving new meaning to going to your place up north!”
>Update: Lindner told the Minneapolis Star Tribune why he’s making the move to Alaska…
There are many attractions. KTUU-TV is a powerhouse station with a large and loyal audience across Alaska. The staff has a strong journalistic tradition, gifted visual story tellers and a keen focus on community involvement. I’ve been blessed to work at great television stations in my career and this is a continuation of that tradition. Combine all that with the chance to explore life in Alaska, leaves me thrilled I’m fortunate to have been approached by a very well respected colleague about the interim position.