Dean L. Wetherbee
Riverview
Summary
Communications leader with extensive experience in crisis management and strategic planning. Successfully built and directed newsrooms, enhancing audience engagement through innovative news coverage. Experienced mentor and skilled in digital storytelling, fostering creativity and excellence within teams.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Producer
WTSP 10 TAMPA BAY NEWS
Tampa
06.2024 - Current
- Oversaw 11pm newscast, assigned reporters, coordinated breaking news and special event coverage to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
- Supervised editorial meetings to align team goals and production timelines, enhancing collaboration and content quality.
- Provided guidance and direction on creative decisions made by reporters and producers.
- Created detailed project progress reports for executive team review, providing insights for strategic decision-making.
News Director
KWKT FOX44
Waco
03.2017 - 06.2024
- Built the newsroom from the ground up, launching the 5:30pm & 6pm newscasts.
- Oversaw newsroom operations including staffing and scheduling of reporters.
- Managed budget allocations related to staffing levels, equipment purchases, travel expenses.
- Developed training programs for new staff on newsroom processes and technology.
- Coordinated special news events and community outreach initiatives effectively.
Evening Executive Producer
KOTV
Tulsa
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Oversee 9 & 10pm newscasts, assign reporters, coordinate breaking news and special event coverage, copyedit reports.
- Directed creative decisions of reporters and producers, enhancing storytelling quality and audience impact.
- Facilitated editorial meetings to synchronize team objectives and streamline production schedules.
- Approved all marketing materials related to newscasts and special coverage.
- Evaluated scripts for newscasts, ensuring alignment with production standards and audience engagement.
Asst. News Director
KEYE-TV
Austin
04.2013 - 03.2015
- Coordinated news coverage for daily broadcasts and special segments.
- Managed editorial meetings to set priorities and align team objectives.
- Supervised newsroom staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
- Developed story ideas and assigned reporters for field coverage.
- Established relationships with community sources to gather news tips.
- Developed a wide range of relationships with government agencies, business and community leaders to stay on top of breaking news.
- Trained new team members on newsroom protocols and software tools.
Asst. News Director
KLRT
Little Rock
04.2007 - 02.2013
- Coordinated news coverage for daily broadcasts and special segments, ensuring timely delivery of relevant content.
- Managed editorial meetings to prioritize coverage and align team objectives, fostering collaborative decision-making.
- Supervised newsroom staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
- Developed story ideas and assigned reporters for field coverage.
- Trained new team members on newsroom protocols and software tools.
- Established relationships with community sources to gather news tips, enhancing the newsroom's access to timely and exclusive stories.
- Developed a wide range of relationships with government agencies, business and community leaders to stay on top of breaking news.
Education
Masters of Digital Journalism and Design -
University of South Florida
12-2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Radio/Television/Film
Sam Houston State University
01-1993
Skills
- INews & ENPS Super User
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- WordPress
- Social Flow
- BitCentral
- Excel
- Audience engagement
- Digital storytelling
- Video production
- Editorial oversight
- Strategic planning
- Community outreach
Timeline
Executive Producer
WTSP 10 TAMPA BAY NEWS
06.2024 - Current
News Director
KWKT FOX44
03.2017 - 06.2024
Evening Executive Producer
KOTV
04.2015 - 01.2017
Asst. News Director
KEYE-TV
04.2013 - 03.2015
Asst. News Director
KLRT
04.2007 - 02.2013
Masters of Digital Journalism and Design -
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Radio/Television/Film
Sam Houston State University