ABC 7 Chicago (WLS) has announced the promotion of assistant news director Doug Whitmire to vice president of News. Whitmire succeeds Jennifer Graves, who retired from the Chicago ABC-owned station last month.
“Doug has been a leading force in the newsroom for more than two decades and a key contributor to our success,” said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7 Chicago. “His impeccable news judgment and in-depth knowledge of Chicago make him ideally suited to take the helm of ABC 7 Eyewitness News.”
Reflecting on his journey, Whitmire said, “When I walked into 190 N. State 21 years ago, I remember the sense of awe I had for ABC 7, and I’m fortunate to have the same feeling today. I am inspired by the work the team does day in and day out to serve the people of Chicago. I am looking forward to leading Chicago’s No. 1 news and the hardest working team in the business.”
Whitmire joined WLS in 2003 as a newswriter/producer. In 2008, he was named executive producer of the morning news and ascended to executive producer of the 10 p.m. newscast in 2014. Seven years later, he was promoted to the position of assistant news director.
This article was brought to you for FREE. Please support Reel Chicago by donating here.
Whitmire began his television career in Toledo, Ohio, working as a daily assignment reporter and producer in 2000.
He is a 10-time winner and 14-time nominee of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Midwest Regional Emmy Awards for his efforts in the categories of breaking news, best newscast, and best coverage of a live event.
He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and was the first recipient of the university’s Excellent Alumnus Award in Journalism.
