Memphis Native Thomas Named News Director at Tegna's WATN

Denisha Thomas (Image credit: Tegna)

Memphis native Denisha Thomas is returning to her hometown as news director of Tegna’s WATN-TV.

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Thomas, who had been executive producer at the company’s Cleveland station, WKYC, will take her new post effective Oct. 13.

“Denisha is a dynamic, talented leader and a proven innovator in local news across all platforms,” said WATN president and general manager Rick Rogala. “Her passion for great journalism and deep Memphis roots will serve her well as we continue building a strong, vibrant news culture, and we are excited she has decided to join the WATN team.”

She joined Tegna with WGRZ in Buffalo and was part of the company’s leadership development program in 2019. Before joining Tegna, she worked at stations in Memphis, Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Columbia, Missouri. 

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.