After three decades, Little Rock's ABC affiliate is changing leadership.
KATV-TV, Channel 7, announced Wednesday that long-time manager Dale Nicholson will step down as the station's day-to-day manager Oct. 1, shifting responsibility to Mark Rose, KATV's current station manager.
Rose will become senior vice president and general manager. Nicholson has held the title of president and general manager. Nicholson will retain the president title but will continue working at the station as a consultant to the station and Allbriton Communications Co., which owns KATV, according to a release issued by the station. In Arkansas Business' 25th Anniversary Issue earlier this year, Nicholson was selected as one of "25 Living Legends" based on his tenure at KATV.
"It is with an excited sense of possibilities yet to come that we look to Mark Rose to lead KATV and have a luxury of leaning on the legendary Dale Nicholson in doing so," said Fredrick Ryan Jr., president and COO of Allbritton Communications Co., which owns KATV.
Nicholson has headed the station for 34 years and began working at the station in 1962.
"This is a proud day for me," Nicholson said. "I couldn't be more satisfied to have Mark take over KATV's reins. His exceptional knowledge of the industry and the market, respect of the staff, and seasoned judgment make him the perfect person to meet the demands of the digital age with intelligent guidance."
Rose has worked at the station for almost 21 years, joining the staff as an account executive in 1988. Rose, a graduate of Arkansas State University, became general sales manager in 1995.
