The word was that new KSHB/KMCI VP & General Manager Brian Bracco was really shaking things up at the NBC affiliate and that is proving true with the announced departure of the station’s General Sales Director John McKenna.
According to a local blog site, KSHB has 14 staff openings, including for Anchor, Morning Anchor, Meteorologist, News Director and News Producer.
McKenna had been in the position for two years and is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State with a Master’s degree from Baker University.
Here is Bracco’s memo to staffers announcing McKenna’s departure:
To all Staff per Brian Bracco:
This is to notify you that, John McKenna, Sales Director for KSHB, is no longer with the station. We are grateful for John’s many years of service and wish him all the best in the future. You may direct requests to the Sales Leaders to address your needs: Dan Mason, Mike Wang, Tammy Fruits and/or Lucretia Raby.
FRIGHTENED FOR FOLKS AT KSHB
Wow. I’m almost frightened for everyone over at KSHB! I’ve heard nothing but nice things about McKenna, so now one has to wonder if either A) Bracco didn’t like him or felt as if he could find someone who could do an even better job or B) Scripps got rid of him much like they did with Peggy Phillip for some odd reason.
Regardless though, I really want to know why there are two open anchor positions, with the morning anchor position particularly sticking out. Either they’re hiring a third one for their weekday morning show or either Curtis Jay or JiaoJiao Shen is about to leave.
Either way though, I’m sure that this is just the beginning. Bracco seems to be making very hard, painful decisions now that may very well benefit the station later on down the road, but only he really sees that. Their first test will be in February with the February sweeps, then followed by May.
I wonder who will be gone next…
ARTICLE CORRECTION
Article is slightly incorrect, actually huge mistake. McKenna was at the station nearly 29 YEARS. Give Bracco a break. He really had nothing to do with it except to do the dirty work, ie. firing. NO ONE has heard anything but “nice things” about McKenna because he has done a great job for KSHB for many years in several positions and similar to Philip, it was “bogus.” Problem appears to be higher up the chain. WEAK chain!! Interesting to see how this all plays out but hope McKenna doesn’t go down without a fight. Some other station, sales staff or other will definitely be benefiting from this Scripps blunder when McKenna joins their staff. Think harder, clearer next time Scripps.
Keep in mind that KSHB doesn’t send out a biography on employees they are letting go. With McKenna the only information I could readily find was on his Linkedin profile and he only listed his final position with the station.
BACKGROUND ON McKENNA
Then me clarify for you. He was with the station since 1984. He worked his way up from security guard to Director of Sales. He became GSM/DOS in 2002. Glad I can help.
Thanks.
THOUGHTS
Could be giving Sherman a Co-Anchor or putting a live Newscast from 7am to 9m or having different people Anchor Midday Newscast and Hawley is been off the last 2 weeks so she could be gone but here BIO still on Website or Evenbing Anchor leaving maybe
RANDOM THOUGHTS ON KSHB
Weatherman gone to Florida, So many reporters gone only after 6 months or so, and the DOGS are SO OLD I have QUIT watching #41, Too much… for me. Plus on air friction between Harry, who never acknowledges the sports fan and Lezak, who centers everything around the two dogs he has, is INSANE, I say fire Lezak and the dogs… Harry is not that good either, give it to Boal, a little better, but not much ! I say Penner head weather guy, Best in KC !