John Walton

About

John Walton is a seasoned media professional and has been the News Director at WGMB Fox 44 and WVLA NBC 33 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, since July 2021. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the broadcast journalism industry. Career Highlights WGMB/WVLA (Baton Rouge): As News Director, Walton oversees newsroom operations, manages budgets, conducts employee evaluations, and ensures the station's news brand remains competitive. His leadership fosters a collaborative and innovative environment. KTAL (Shreveport): From 2016 to 2021, Walton held a similar role, directly supervising staff and maintaining the station's reputation in news delivery. KARD/KTVE (West Monroe): Walton led the station from 2011 to 2015, earning recognition as the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters’ Small Market Television Station of the Year in 2015. Central Florida News 13: As Executive Producer, he managed morning shifts, supervised staff, and ensured high-quality news production. News 10 Now: Walton advanced from Executive Producer to Assistant News Director, overseeing daily operations and editorial meetings while mentoring producers and assignment editors. Early Career: Walton began his career as a producer at KBMT, News 8 Austin, and WAFB TV, where he honed his skills in scriptwriting, editing, and newsroom management. Leadership Style Walton is known for his calm demeanor, confidence in his team, and adaptability to change. He emphasizes innovation and believes in empowering his staff to embrace new challenges in the evolving media landscape. Education Walton holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Broadcast Journalism from Southern University in Baton Rouge. His academic foundation complements his practical expertise in media leadership. John Walton’s career reflects a commitment to excellence in broadcasting and a vision for advancing local journalism through effective leadership.