Frank Volpicella was news director at CBS46 for just over 11 months
This was posted Tuesday, June 20, 2017 by Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio and TV Talk blog
For the sixth time in nine years, the CBS 46 news director has left the building.
Frank Volpicella has agreed to part ways with WGCL-TV after less than a year there. He joined the station July 11 of 2016. The memo by General Manager Mark Pimental today about his departure caught the news staff by surprise.
It also was announced on a busy news day with all eyes on the nation focused on the Sixth District House runoff race.
“Frank and I decided it was not a good fit so we parted ways. I have a world of respect for Frank and his news judgment,” Pimental wrote.
So a search is on again for a replacement at a station that remains mired in fourth place. Under Volpicella, Gloria Neal departed and was replaced by Amanda Davis in mornings. The station also suspended evening anchor Ben Swann briefly after controversy flared earlier this year over his website and penchant for conspiracy theories. He shut the site down to keep his job.
Volpicella’s tenure was the briefest of the six most recent news directors. He had come from Austin
Larry Perret (September 2014- May, 2016) Perret lasted 20 months. Before him, there was Lane Michaelson (15 months, April, 2013- July, 2014), Eric Ludgood (22 months, March, 2011-January 2013), Steve Schwaid (two years, 10 months, May, 2008-March, 2011) and Rick Erbach (three years, four months, January 2005-May 2008).
