Update:

Hi everyone, I’m excited to update you on some big life news for me. After 3 years as Vice President and News Director for CBS in San Francisco I left in January. I could not be more proud of our accomplishments together at KPIX. Those three years were some of the most trying in our nation’s history. And we were there for the Bay Area. Together, we launched the 24-hour streaming network CBSN, building it into a terrific success story within the CBS owned group. We launched a 7pm news that quickly became a newscast of record in San Francisco. And we built a more diverse staff that reflected the vibrant Bay Area.

Stepping away in these months I have seen even more clearly what everyone in local news knows, the industry is challenged. Both in our ability to reach an audience and to recruit the Journalists committed to covering them. The model needs to change. We need to find a way to channel the passion of so many who are still tirelessly working to serve the need and to fulfill this important part of our democracy.

To that end I am proud to announce the launch of Indarramedia.com, a company committed to helping lead the innovation and reflection that will be needed to bring the evolution of what we are to become. I’ve asked Audra Swain and Xochitl Underwood to join me. Audra has a stellar track record leading teams in both Sinclair and CBS. If there’s revenue to be generated, Audra will deliver like no other. Xochitl has been a leader in both Spanish and English language news and most recently served as a digital content leader in Nexstar. I couldn’t be more excited to be working with them in our mission to innovate.

I’m especially looking forward to telling you more about our first partnerships. I couldn’t be happier to announce I have been engaged by the development team at CMG/Apollo. COX is a leader throughout the country, committed to the communities they serve and under the leadership of Steve Pruett as Chairman they are equally committed to innovation. We have also partnered with one of the strongest family-owned companies in the country, Sarkes Tarzian. They’ve asked us to creatively address the challenges with recruiting and I couldn’t be more impressed with their commitment both to the community and to the people who work for them. They are well-positioned to continue to be an industry leader.

And on a personal note, we lost one of the best last week. Kent Collins was a mentor and friend beginning at Mizzou in J-School and then with every career move since. His support meant the world to me. He made a difference to so many of us. The journey continues with lessons from Kent still guiding the way. And thanks to all of you for your support and friendship.