“I want to combine my skills as a journalist with my marketing experience to help a TV station where I know just about everybody. I can’t wait to get started,” says the new Director of Brand and Creative Development for the Fox and CW affiliates in Hartford-New Haven, Conn.
B.J. Finnell has been named director of brand and creative development for WTIC-WCCT, the Fox and CW affiliates, respectively, in Hartford-New Haven, Conn., overseeing the brand development, management and execution of all marketing efforts. Both stations are owned by Tribune.
Previously, Finnell was VP/media relations with Regan Communications, and news director, executive producer, producer and news anchor with CBS, NBC and ABC in Hartford-New Haven, Philadelphia, New York, Cleveland and San Francisco.
Finnell, who was formerly content project manager for WTIC, returns to the stations today (July 30), reporting to Jon Hitchcock, VP and general manager.
“B.J. was instrumental in working with our news and creative teams to help shape our content, and his contribution has helped us generate the ratings momentum we’ve been building on over these last several months,” said Hitchcock.
“His leadership in digital, production, media relations, branding and journalism will be a strong asset to our stations, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to our team.”
I caught up with Finnell yesterday, a Fairfield native and graduate of the University of Connecticut, while he was waiting in line at a deli.
“I want to combine my skills as a journalist with my marketing experience to help a TV station where I know just about everybody.”
I really like what Finnell said when I asked him what his first weeks will be like.
“I want to sit down with the managers and examine our inventory, what is our message, how are we getting it out there, and how do we refine it. The branding of the station is ‘Expect More,’ so we have to be laser focused on that, making sure we’re using the traditional and non-traditional avenues to reach the audiences.”
“I can’t wait to get started.”
NOTE: Check out Finnell’s series of podcasts, Take Me Through It, where he explores the unique, odd, amazing, hilarious and compelling stories from people across America.
Click here to hear his podcast with TV weatherman Spencer Christian and hear his story of fame, fortune, desperation and redemption.
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