WBIR President and General Manager Jeff Lee announced Tuesday his plans to retire at the end of the 2016 calendar year.
Lee was named president and general manager of WBIR, the TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate in Knoxville, in August 1996.
“WBIR is a terrific place to work,” Lee said. “Our parent company, formerly Gannett, now TEGNA, has been wonderful to our station. They give us the resources and encouragement we need to be our best.
“WBIR’s Straight from the Heart brand means something, and the viewers hold us accountable for our brand. We try every day to make a difference in our community. We have loyal viewers, and for that reason can get results for our advertisers which in turn, helps them grow their businesses.”
Lee serves as a board member for the United Way of Greater Knoxville and the Knoxville Symphony Society. He is a graduate of the 1999 Leadership Knoxville class.
“This is my seventh and my wife’s fifth state, and it will be our last,” Lee said of his future. “We love our life here in Knoxville, and are not going anywhere.”
Prior to joining WBIR, Lee served as vice president and general manager of WESH in Orlando from 1991-1996. He also served as president and general manager of KSBW in Salinas/Monterery, Calif., from 1987-1991.
From 1976-1987, Lee also held various positions at KPRC in Houston.
Lee graduated North Texas State University.
