Kyle Grimes: Leading Hearst Television’s Broadcasting Excellence

Kyle I. Grimes leads WCVB-TV, Hearst Television’s flagship station and Boston’s ABC affiliate. He also serves as Hearst Television’s vice president for New England, overseeing a network of stations in the region. Grimes’ career, spanning over two decades, has been dedicated to Hearst Television. His leadership reflects the enduring influence and reach of television broadcasting in today’s media landscape.

In his role as vice president, Grimes oversees a diverse portfolio of market-leading television stations. These include WMTW-TV (ABC) and WPXT-TV (CW) in Portland-Auburn, Maine; WMUR-TV (ABC) in Manchester, New Hampshire; and WPTZ-TV (NBC) and WNNE-TV (CW) in Plattsburgh, New York, and Burlington, Vermont. Each station serves a distinct community, highlighting the localized power of broadcasting.

Before assuming his current position, Grimes led WGAL-TV, another prominent station in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. During his tenure, WGAL-TV significantly expanded its local news programming and launched a public affairs show, demonstrating the station’s commitment to community engagement. The station garnered numerous awards, including regional Emmys and Associated Press honors, solidifying its position as a trusted news source.

Grimes also spearheaded innovative initiatives at WGAL-TV, such as the establishment of the WGAL 8 Hall of Fame. This recognized individuals who have contributed to the station’s legacy over its 70-year history. He also fostered a partnership with Millersville University to preserve the station’s valuable film archive, ensuring the preservation of broadcasting history.

WGAL-TV’s dedication to community service under Grimes’ leadership resulted in national recognition, including being a finalist for the National Association of Broadcasters’ Service to America Award. The station’s fundraising efforts, including telethons, generated millions of dollars for organizations like the American Red Cross, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

Prior to WGAL-TV, Grimes led WPTZ-TV and WNNE-TV, where the stations received a national Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative journalism and two regional Murrow Awards for coverage of a high-profile prison escape. He also served as news director for these stations earlier in his career, showcasing his deep understanding of news operations within the television broadcasting ecosystem. Between his roles at WPTZ-TV and WNNE-TV, he was news director at WPBF-TV, the Hearst ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Grimes actively participates in community and industry organizations. He serves on the boards of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association. He also contributes to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and other local charities, further emphasizing the television industry’s role in community well-being.

Grimes’ career began at Hearst’s California television stations, starting at KSBW-TV in Monterey/Salinas and later producing newscasts at KCRA-TV/KQCA-TV in Sacramento. His foundational experience in these local stations laid the groundwork for his leadership in the broadcasting industry. He holds a degree in broadcast journalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.