Veteran broadcast journalist and long-time Memphis TV news anchor Richard Ransom is joining WATN TV’s Local 24 News team. He will anchor the station’s 5, 6 and 10 pm newscasts and will serve as Managing Editor.
Ransom most recently served as the main anchor at WREG TV in Memphis where he led the station’s newscasts to strong positions of market leadership. He is an Emmy Award winning writer and has hosted and moderated numerous televised debates.
“Richard knows Memphis and knows the news business,” says Joe Denk, Vice President & General Manager of WATN. “The opportunity to add a journalist with Richard’s experience and reputation in the market is exciting. His presence strengthens our commitment and our ability to serve the viewers in our community.”
Prior to his time at WREG, Ransom worked as the main anchor at WITI TV in Milwaukee, WI, and as a morning anchor and reporter at WMC-TV in Memphis. Ransom got his start as an investigative reporter at WJXT in Jacksonville, FL.
“I’m excited to be joining a news team committed to reporting what life is really like in Memphis, not just chasing police cars without explaining how crime affects our viewers. Our mission isn’t to scare, but to inform,” he says. “Based on what folks are always telling me they want in news coverage, I believe they will respond very favorably to what Local 24 News is building.”
Ransom will produce and host the weekly public affairs show “Local 24 This Week”. The show airs on Local 24 each Sunday at 9am, and features in-depth interviews with local, state, and federal lawmakers on current and hot-button topics.
News Director Lisa Lovell says, “We are excited to have Richard join the Local 24 news team. We place a premium on delivering relevant, impactful news, which examines our communities’ issues, but also highlights the many positives. We love Memphis. Richard loves Memphis. We plan to work together to deliver the news our viewers want and need to see.”
Ransom joins co-anchor Katina Rankin on Local 24 News beginning on Monday September 25.
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Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. is the parent company of WATN-TV
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 170 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 100 markets or approximately 39% of all U.S. television households. Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv.
