WAPT has named a news director.
Rick McLaughin comes to the Jackson, Miss. station from WESH, Hearst’s sister station in Orlando, Fla.
“We’re very fortunate to welcome Rick to the 16 WAPT newsroom, and we’re thrilled at the level of enthusiasm, experience, and dedication to high quality journalism he brings to the position,” says WAPT president and general manager Mike Neelly. “Rick will not only lead, develop, and mentor our fine journalists but will make an excellent complement to our leadership team. We look forward to working with Rick to provide bigger and better services to our Mississippi community.”
McLaughlin began his career in moving news and rose to lead newsrooms various cites including Milwaukee, St. Louis and Boston as an EP. He joined the Hearst family in 2010 as the assistant news director at WLWT.
“I am honored to be leading such a talented team at WAPT,” says McLaughlin. “I look forward to being part of the station’s continued success and serving the Jackson community.”
He will join the station on March 4.