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General manager’s office vacant (for now) at News 8 Austin
One of the architects of News 8 Austin, Time Warner Cable’s 24-hour local news channel, has been let go.
The departure of general manager Brian Benschoter, who helped launch News 8 nearly a decade ago, was announced Monday by Steve Paulus, head of several Time Warner news outlets around the country. A replacement has not yet been named.
“It was a management change I felt needed to be made,” Paulus said. “Decisions have to be made, and sometimes they’re not pleasant ones.”
Paulus was unsure of Benschoter’s future plans, but expects he’ll land on his feet. The now-former general manager could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“He’s a very smart guy and very knowledgeable about the business,” Paulus said.
Time Warner continues to grow its cable news operations — a new 24-hour channel was recently launched in Buffalo, N.Y. — and execs are pleased with News 8 Austin and believe “interesting growth opportunities” are ahead for the station, according to Paulus.
“This is not a reflection of the performance of the channel,” he said. “I only see great things in the future for News 8.”
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By Jim
April 1, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
The biggest mistake is Time Warner's decision to base all of the local news decisions for all of its local stations with an out-of-touch corporate hack in New York City.
By the last angel
March 31, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
To bad about Brian getting the boot. I wish him and his family well.
I hope this wasn't about his pen flinging days. That was totally justified.
Keep your chin up BB. Just remember--these are the same foolz who thought merging with AOL was a great idea.