Bob Franklin is no longer running Newport Television’s WPMI/WJTC duopoly in Mobile, Ala. Franklin was named general manager nearly two years ago.
His departure was first reported in Mobile’s Press-Register, which said Franklin dismissed WPMI’s popular anchor trio last year.
WPMI, obtained by Newport in the blockbuster Clear Channel Communications deal, has been struggling to climb out of the cellar in the news race. The NBC affiliate overhauled its news product after the acquisition, with new graphics and set, higher story counts and a new anchor team.
In May, Franklin told B&C the changes would help WPMI run with the big boys. “Before, we were driving a sedan,” he said, “and now we’re driving a Porsche.”
WJTC is an independent.
A Newport spokesman said a new GM would be named soon.
