Hearst Advances Darrel Lieze-Adams to the Role of President and General Manager in Fort Myers-Naples, Florida.
Darrel Lieze-Adams Honoured for Leadership at Hearst Television's WZVN
Darrel Lieze-Adams, a seasoned broadcasting professional, has been praised for his leadership and crisis management skills by Michael J. Hayes, President of Hearst Television. Lieze-Adams currently serves as the Vice President, News, Digital, Marketing, and Production at WZVN, an ABC station in Fort Myers-Naples, Florida, operated by Hearst Television under a local management agreement.
Lieze-Adams' tenure at WZVN has been marked by significant achievements. The station has won nine National Murrow Awards under his leadership, with the latest being the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast in a Small Market this year. The station was also honoured for its exceptional work this year, receiving the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Lieze-Adams joined the Florida stations in 1997, starting his journey as the News Director. Over the years, he oversaw a revamp of the news set of WZVN and expanded the number of newscasts at the Florida stations. His efforts have been instrumental in the station's growth and success.
Prior to his time at Waterman Broadcasting, Lieze-Adams served at Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTSP-TV Minneapolis-St. Paul. As the Senior Executive Producer of Broadcasts, he produced the "Healthcare in the Heartland" regional town hall event with then-President Bill Clinton, for which he won a regional Emmy Award.
Lieze-Adams' career in broadcasting spans over 17 years, three of which he served as a board member of the ABC Network News Director Advisory Board. He also participated in several professional development programmes, including the Poynter Institute Broadcast Leadership Summit.
Before his time in broadcasting, Lieze-Adams represented the United States Marine Corps. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
In addition to his professional commitments, Lieze-Adams is a board member for the Red Sox Foundation's Home Base SWFL support program for veterans and service members in need. He also serves on the executive committee of the Foundation of Lee Public Schools.
In 2019, Lieze-Adams was named Vice President, News, Digital, Marketing, and Production, and in 2021, he was appointed as the Vice President and Station Manager. Hearst Television acquired the market-leading NBC affiliate WBBH in 2023.
Local magazine Gulfshore Life named Lieze-Adams a Person of the Year, recognising his significant contributions to the community. He continues to be a respected figure in the broadcasting industry and a dedicated servant to his community.
