WJBF anchor John Hart has been promoted to news director of the Augusta, Ga., ABC affiliate.
Hart first started working at WJBF as a weekend sports anchor in 2000. He then moved up to sports director, before switching to news in 2009 as co-anchor of the evening newscasts.
He replaces Scott Elledge, who left to take a corporate role with Bahakel Communications.
“It was not easy to fill the shoes of our outgoing news manager Scott Elledge, someone that was passionate about our newsroom and this community,” said WJBF general manager Bill Stewart. “But to be able to promote John into this role—and know that we have someone with the same dedication to see this newsroom continue its success while preparing and guiding it into the future—is something I am thrilled about and I am glad John is eager to start this new phase of his career.”
Hart is also the play-by-play announcer for Game Night Live, WJBF’s high school football game of the week. He has also served for many years as executive producer and host of Tee Time Augusta, a nationally-syndicated preview of the Masters Tournament. He covered his 23rd Masters in April.
While Hart will continue his football and golf broadcasting duties, he will no longer anchor daily newscasts on WJBF.
“I will miss bringing our viewers the news on a daily basis here at WJBF, but I am excited about having an even bigger voice in our news operation,” Hart said. “You can still join me each Friday night during high school football season on Game Night Live— and every spring for Tee Time Augusta and Masters Report. I also hope to continue to connect with our community on Facebook and Twitter.”