Bob Ellis, vice president and general manager at WDIV-TV (Channel 4) since 2021, has resigned from the station effective immediately, according to an email sent to staff on Thursday, Dec. 11.
“This decision was difficult, but after three decades at Graham Media Group (WDIV’s owners), I believe it is time for me to take on something different and provide space for someone else to lead the station into its next chapter,” Ellis wrote in an email to WDIV staff, which was obtained by the Free Press.
Ellis became WDIV’s general manager in October 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile. It was his second stint with the station, after serving as assistant news director and news director for seven years ending in 2009. He was the general manager at Graham Media stations in Jacksonville, Florida before he returned to WDIV.
“Serving as GM has been an extraordinary privilege,” Ellis wrote. “I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together, strengthening our journalism, and serving the Detroit community with great purpose. The WDIV team is talented, resilient, and driven, and I have full confidence the station will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
Catherine Badalamente, the president and CEO of Graham Media, is stepping in as interim general manager of WDIV, according to an email she sent to WDIV staff that was obtained by the Free Press.
“I want to emphasize that all our operations will continue as normal,” Badalamente write. “My focus is on maintaining continuity and supporting each of you as we move forward.”
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: WDIV general manager Bob Ellis resigns from station after 4 years
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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