Honolulu Newspaper Vet Takes Over Hawaii News Now

Platte starts in KGMB-KHNL-KFVE newsroom May 10

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/3/2010 4:07:34 PM

Honolulu Advertiser editor Mark Platte has been named news director for Hawaii News Now, the merged newsroom representing Honolulu stations KGMB, KHNL and KFVE. Platte replaces Chris Archer, who is leaving to join the consulting firm SmithGeiger. 

He starts at the TV newsroom May 10.

There's a shared services agreement between MCG Capital Corporation's CBS outlet KGMB and Raycom's KHNL-KFVE duopoly, which is affiliated with NBC and MyNetworkTV. The three operate under the Hawaii News Now brand.

Speaking of merged media properties, the Honolulu Advertiser and Honolulu Star-Bulletin are in the process of melding into one newspaper called the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Platte's switch to television was previously reported in Pacific Business News and Honolulu Advertiser, among others.

He's got loads of newspaper experience, including a decade at the Los Angeles Times and other stints at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Miami Herald.

Platte's lack of TV experience is not seen as a major issue by his new managers.

"Mark Platte has a great understanding of how Hawaii works and an even greater love for this place we call home," Hawaii News Now General Manager Rick Blangiardi told the Advertiser.