ABC Chicago promotes assistant news director to top newsroom spot

WLS, the ABC-owned station in Chicago, has promoted Doug Whitmire to vice president of news. 

He is succeeding Jennifer Graves, who retired.

“Doug has been a leading force in the newsroom for more than two decades and a key contributor to our success. His impeccable news judgment and in-depth knowledge of Chicago make him ideally suited to take the helm of ABC 7 Eyewitness News,” said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7, in a statement.

Whitmire, who is currently assistant news director, will start in his new role Aug. 5. 2024. He joined WLS in 2003 as a write and producer, eventually moving up to serve as executive producer, overseeing the morning newscasts and later the 10 p.m. show.

“When I walked into 190 N. State 21 years ago, I remember the sense of awe I had for ABC 7, and I’m fortunate to have the same feeling today. I am inspired by the work the team does day in and day out to serve the people of Chicago. I am looking forward to leading Chicago’s No. 1 news and the hardest working team in the business,” Whitmire said in the statement.