Eric Land’s Journey From WOUB to Television VP

Eric Land’s decades-long television career began with humble beginnings at WHIZ TV, where he swept floors and cleaned the weather board under his father’s, the general manager’s, guidance. This early exposure ignited a passion that led him to Ohio University and WOUB, a pivotal training ground for his broadcasting career.

At WOUB, Land immersed himself in hands-on learning, volunteering as a reporter for both radio and television. He honed his skills in live news, anchoring and reporting for WOUB TV’s NewsWatch, solidifying his on-air presence and journalistic abilities.

Beyond reporting, Land aspired to manage a television station. Collaborating with fellow student Henry Heilbrunn on Buckeye Sound, a news gathering project partnered with the Associated Press, provided invaluable experience in news management and distribution.

WOUB’s rigorous training and opportunities shaped Land’s career. He covered major events like the 1972 Ohio University campus riots, the Marshall football team plane crash memorial, and the Buffalo Creek flood in West Virginia, witnessing the power of broadcast journalism firsthand.

Land’s dedication landed him an internship at WCPO in Cincinnati, transitioning into a full-time reporting role after graduation. However, recognizing his leadership potential, the station manager encouraged him to explore the sales department, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business side of television.

This pivotal moment propelled Land into management. He now serves as Vice President and General Manager of WBMA-TV (ABC), WTTO-TV (CW), and WABM-TV (MNT) in Alabama. His career 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 also held management and sales positions in various markets, including Tampa, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama; Buffalo, New York; and Flint/Saginaw, Michigan.

Land acknowledges his wife Cindy, a fellow Ohio University graduate, for supporting his career. He also credits his success to WOUB’s hands-on training, emphasizing the invaluable experience gained 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.