More change at CBS46: GM Lyle Banks out, Deborah Collura in

ajc.com

Credit: CR: publicity photos of Lyle Banks, Deborah Collura

Credit: CR: publicity photos of Lyle Banks, Deborah Collura

Lyle Banks has departed CBS46 (WGCL-TV) as general manager, replaced by Deborah Collura, former general manager at a Charlotte NBC affiliate.

Banks who did not respond to a call and text for comment, joined CBS46 two years and five months ago.

"Deborah has a proven track record of ratings excellence and market-share success," said Patrick McCreery, Meredith local media group president, in a press release.

She will also oversee CBS46’s sister station Peachtree TV (WPCH-TV.)

Collura had been general manager at WCNC-TV in Charlotte for more than five years. Before that, she was a vice president at a station in Houston.

"The team at WGCL and WPCH has made great strides building a strong investigative brand and creating exciting opportunities for advertising partners, Collura said in the press release. “I look forward to continuing that momentum as we find new and innovative strategies to serve our audiences, our clients and the Atlanta metro community."

She will be the station's sixth general manager in the past 11 years. Banks was preceded by Mark Pimentel, who worked at CBS46 from late 2014 to 2018. His predecessor Trey Fabacher was in that role two years. Before him, Kirk Black had the job for two years, nine months. Andy Alford prior to him was general manager for four years. In the early 2000s, Sue Schwartz ran the station.

Current news director Matt King joined CBS46 in April from the same Charlotte station as Collura.

Banks presided over a station that saw two major anchors leave: former MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts and outspoken Sharon Reed. Both left last year and neither has returned to broadcast TV. Also last year chief meteorologist Paul Ossmann was fired over sexually inappropriate actions and he sued for wrongful termination.

The station last week cut four employees including weekend anchor and reporter Mike Dunston, investigative reporter Jonathan Carlson and reporter Daniel Wilkerson.

CBS46 has been largely in third or fourth place in ratings among the local broadcast news operations over the years.