He’s been the Radio + Television Business Report’s Top Local TV Leader for the last several years, and in command of the flagship television property within Graham Media Group. Now, he’s no longer associated with the NBC affiliate branded as “LOCAL 4,” as he has resigned from WDIV-4 in Detroit.
Word of Bob Ellis’ departure from the station surfaced late Thursday and was first reported by local news organization “Deadline Detroit.” Graham Media Group CEO Catherine Badalamente confirmed to RBR+TVBR that Ellis resigned as VP/General Manager, a position he has held since October 2021.
In a staff memo shared by “Deadline Detroit,” Ellis said, “I believe it is time for me to take on something different and provide space for someone else to lead the station into the next chapter.”
Badalamente will oversee WDIV-TV on an interim basis.
According to Ellis, he is resigning from his position. And, it comes at a delicate time for a long-dominant TV station, as on-air talent including Devin Scillian, Bernie Smilovitz, Rod Meloni, Paula Tutman, Mara MacDonald and Tim Pamplin require introducing new faces to Detroit. “Help Me Hank,” a popular segment featuring consumer affairs reporter Hank Winchester, was ended just a few weeks ago amid allegations later cleared regarding improprieties at the station.
“Serving as GM has been an extraordinary privilege,” Ellis wrote. “I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together, strengthening our journalism, and serving the Detroit community with great purpose. The WDIV team is talented, resilient, and driven, and I have full confidence the station will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
Market rumors suggest Ellis was also involved in undisclosed personal relationship matters that violated station policy; RBR+TVBR could not independently confirm these discussions.
It is a significant departure, as WDIV-TV dominates and has long enjoyed a position in Detroit that lives up to its name. From coverage of America’s Thanksgiving Parade to a new suburban “one-of-a-kind coffee shop experience” where “trusted news and everyday life intersect,” WDIV has been emblematic of its “LOCAL 4” brand across the Motor City and its surrounding communities. This helped Ellis in ranking No. 1 on the RBR+TVBR Top Local TV Leader list for three years.
From 2009 to 2021, he was VP/GM of WCWJ-TV and WJXT-TV in Jacksonville. Previously, Ellis spent 15 years at the station, in such roles as News Director. Among his notable accomplishments are the introduction under Ellis’ command of a station brand, “Expect More,” which he says “serves as the guidepost to define the station’s commitment to serving the Detroit community.” He also created the Local4+ streaming app, and this year launched “Trade Up,” a project dedicating station resources and airtime to celebrating and elevating Detroit’s citizens in trade jobs with an emphasis on showing the opportunities and success available to those seeking such a career.
Ellis is a member of the NAB Broadcast Leadership Training Program’s Class of 2020, and represents Graham Media Group on the NBC Affiliate Board of Directors. He’s also on the board of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and a member of the Executive Committee of the Nielsen Local Alliance Committee. Ellis began his career in television as a producer of collegiate coaches shows while attending Michigan Sate University.
