CBS46's latest news director Lane Michaelsen leaves after 15 months
CBS46's news director Lane Michaelsen has left the station abruptly after just 15 months for a new job.
Two sources tell me he wasn't happy with the resources Michaelsen was given to try to lift the station's ratings. The station is frequently in fourth place outside of the 11 p.m. telecast.
Managerial turnover at CBS46 has been chronic since WGCL-TV came into existence two decades ago.
At the time Michaelsen was hired, his boss Trey Fabacher sent these comments via email to staffers: "Michaelsen has built a solid reputation of leading quality newscasts and storytelling. Rating increases have been seen very quickly at almost every post he has held. He is also very skilled in listening and learning about newsrooms and culture and making the right adjustments to place them in the best situation to be successful."
Today, Fabacher wrote in an email, "Lane accepted another opportunity and we wish him well." Fabacher, who joined WGCL in September, 2012 as general manager, said he isn't in a position to announce Michaelsen's new job.
Michaelsen replaced the well-respected Eric Ludgood, who has since found an assistant news director job at Fox 5 (WAGA-TV).
Under Michaelsen and Fabacher, CBS46 has undergone quite a few staff changes. In February, the station rebranded itself as CBS46 from CBS Atlanta.
Stories I've written about the station during Michaelsen's tenure:
8/13/13: Tracy Hutchins moves to evenings, replaced by Michelle Burdo
About the Author
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
