Bay Area reporter named VP of news for CBS’s Sacramento properties

CBS Television Stations has named Scott Rates as the new vice president of news for CBS Northern California’s Sacramento stations, KOVR and KMAX.

In his new role, which starts March 23, 2026, Rates will head up editorial and newsroom operations for the two stations. Reporting to Scott Warren, the president and general manager of CBS’s Northern California stations, Rates will also focus on content development for the Sacramento properties.

“Having spent my career working in newsrooms across California, it’s a privilege to step into this role serving communities throughout Northern California,” said Rates in a statement. “CBS Sacramento and CBS Bay Area have a strong legacy of innovation in local news, and I look forward to working with these outstanding teams at KOVR and KMAX as we continue delivering trusted journalism that informs and connects viewers across the region.”

Rates is currently a bureau reporter based out of KPIX in San Francisco, California, which is part of CBS’s Northern California group of local stations.

His time with KPIX began in 2025. Prior to that, he worked as a news director, assistant news director and on-air roles at several stations in smaller markets within California. He has worked in newsrooms for the past 16 years in jobs including multimedia journalist, photographer, editor, investigative unit member and a helicopter photojournalist. 

“Scott brings deep experience as a news director and a strong understanding of the stories that matter most to communities across Northern California,” said Warren in the announcement. “Having led multiple newsrooms in the region and reported in San Francisco, he combines editorial leadership with the instincts of a seasoned journalist.”