There’s a new News Director coming to Hearst Television‘s ABC affiliate serving Central Mississippi, and he’ll be starting his new role on June 1. It involves a move from a former longtime ABC affiliate that went independent in August 2025.
Taking the post at “16 WAPT” in Jackson, Ms., is Mike Matchi.
Machi most recently served as the weekend executive producer at WPLG-10 in Miami, where he helped lead a significant expansion of weekend news coverage following BH Media’s decision to not renew the ABC affiliation for “Local 10.” Prior to that, he was Asst. News Director at WINK-TV in Fort Myers-Naples, helping shape editorial strategy and newsroom performance at the CBS affiliate that dominates Southwest Florida.
“Mike understands that delivering for our community starts with investing in our people,” said WAPT-TV President/GM Peter Keith. “He has a strong track record of developing journalists through coaching and mentorship and building teams that produce meaningful, impactful coverage. We’re excited to welcome him to Jackson.”
A graduate of Penn State University, Machi has also held roles at WPTV-5 in West Palm Beach; WKMG-6 in Orlando; the former WGCL-TV in Atlanta; and both KDKA-TV and Hearst-owned WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh.
“I’m excited to join 16 WAPT and work alongside a talented team committed to serving the community,” Machi said. “I look forward to building on the station’s strong foundation and continuing to grow the newsroom.”
