A Journey Through Television Land: From WOUB to VP
Eric Land’s career in television spans decades, a testament to his early passion and the foundational experiences he gained in the dynamic world of Television Land. Starting at WHIZ TV, where his father served as general manager, Land’s journey began with humble tasks like sweeping floors and cleaning the weather board. This early exposure ignited a passion that led him to Ohio University and WOUB, a fertile training ground for aspiring broadcasters.
Land’s time at WOUB was marked by immersive learning and hands-on experience. He volunteered extensively, working as a reporter for both radio and television, honing his skills in the demanding environment of live news. His involvement extended to anchoring and reporting for WOUB TV’s NewsWatch, further solidifying his on-air presence and journalistic acumen.
Land’s ambition extended beyond reporting. He envisioned himself managing a television station, following in his father’s footsteps. His collaboration with fellow student Henry Heilbrunn on Buckeye Sound, a news gathering project in partnership with the Associated Press, provided invaluable experience in news management and distribution to state radio stations.
The rigorous training and exceptional opportunities at WOUB shaped Land’s career trajectory. He covered significant events, including the 1972 Ohio University campus riots, the Marshall football team plane crash memorial, and the devastating Buffalo Creek flood disaster in West Virginia. These experiences provided firsthand exposure to the power of broadcast journalism and the importance of accurate and timely reporting in television land.
Land’s dedication and proficiency led to an internship at WCPO in Cincinnati, which transitioned into a full-time reporting position upon graduation. However, his career took an unexpected turn when the station manager recognized Land’s leadership potential and encouraged him to explore the sales department, understanding that a comprehensive understanding of the business side of television was crucial for aspiring station managers.
This pivotal moment steered Land toward management roles, ultimately leading him to his current position as Vice President and General Manager of WBMA-TV (ABC), WTTO-TV (CW), and WABM-TV (MNT) in Alabama. His extensive career also includes leadership roles at WTLV-TV (NBC) and WJXX-TV (ABC) in Jacksonville, Florida, Walkabout Air Aviation in Tampa, Florida, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously held management and sales positions at television stations in various markets, including Tampa, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama; Buffalo, New York; and Flint/Saginaw, Michigan.
Land acknowledges the significant role of his wife, Cindy, a fellow Ohio University graduate, in supporting his career moves. Their shared journey underscores the importance of personal support in navigating the demanding landscape of television land. He also credits his success to the hands-on training he received at WOUB, emphasizing the invaluable opportunity to learn all aspects of broadcast news production under professional guidance. The Allan and June Land Award, a scholarship established by Land in honor of his parents, reflects his commitment to providing future generations with similar opportunities in the ever-evolving world of television.
