Berlamino Out as WPIX GM

Kersting will run Tribune outlet until replacement is found

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/8/2010 9:38:38 AM

WPIX New York President/General Manager Betty Ellen Berlamino was let go from Tribune's WPIX New York yesterday. Tribune Broadcasting President Jerry Kersting will run the station until a new GM is hired.

Kersting told WPIX staff he's in the process of taking a hard look at station management in the group. "For several weeks I have been in the process of evaluating the management teams across our television stations, and today I decided it was time to make a change at WPIX--General Manager Betty Ellen Berlamino has left the station," he said in a memo. "Please join me in wishing her the best.  While we look for a new GM, I will be overseeing WPIX in addition to my other duties.

Kersting called WPIX "one of the real jewels" within Tribune.
Berlamino's dismissal was previously reported in the New York Daily News. The paper reports that high-profile WPIX anchor Jim Watkins' contract was not renewed either.

WPIX has been fighting to stand out in the nation's largest DMA. Bill Carey came on as news director late in 2009. Last month, the station was one of several Tribune outlets to run promotions where select viewers of its 10 p.m. news won time in a vault to grab cash.