By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
Dec. 7, 2000
Amid reports of financial difficulties at local television stations WMDN and WGBC (24/30), General Manager Marc Grossman has resigned, according to corporate officials.
Ledbetter refused to say why Grossman resigned from his position.
In recent months speculation has been circulating the sister stations were having financial problems due to the failed launch of an Internet service provider the company had been trying to establish. Several Meridian businesses were caught flat footed when the service was abruptly halted without notice a few weeks ago, leaving their Web presences in limbo.
Rumors of financial problems were exacerbated recently when the television stations made tremendous staff cutbacks, including staff hired to build the Internet business. The stations currently maintain only one full-time news reporter.
The stations' owner, Frank Spain, also owns WTVA, the Tupelo station which Ledbetter manages, but could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Calls made to Spain's stations in Meridian and Tupelo were not returned, nor were calls to Grossman's residence.
Contrary to the rumors, Ledbetter, who also serves as general manager and vice president of WTVA, said the stations were doing fine and would not shut be shutting their doors.
According to Ledbetter, the current staff at the two stations should make the change in personnel a smooth transition.
Ledbetter says a replacement for Grossman hasn't been determined, but he says the search may not go too far.
However, Ledbetter says he will be making himself more accessible to the staff at the two stations during the transition period in order to help with any problems that may arise.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.