WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A familiar face will leave the KFDX news desk soon as he transitions from anchor to manager.

Wayne Reed, VP and general manager, announced Darrell Franklin as the news director of KFDX, KJTL, and texomashomepage.com on Thursday, Feb. 13.

Franklin, who serves as the main anchor, has been a part of the station for 33 years, 31 of those in the news department.

“I am just thrilled to have this opportunity to lead our newsroom into an exciting future that will be heavily impacted by our broadcast and digital commitments to our viewers,” Franklin said. “While my responsibilities as News Director will eventually shift away from delivering the news to our viewers on air, I won’t be far away. I’ll still be here working behind the scenes to bring the same accurate, local content that impacts those viewers. It’s what they’ve come to expect over so many years from this number one station, and the plan is to very much keep that tradition of excellence alive.” 

Reed said the years he spent working with Franklin have proved he is the right fit for the job.

“I have worked with Darrell for the last 31 years. I have witnessed his commitment and passion for local news,” Reed said. “Most importantly, he has earned the respect of everyone who works with him. He will be a great teacher, coach, and mentor to all who enter the newsroom at KFDX & KJTL. I am excited to see what the future holds for Darrell Franklin as the new News Director.”

While we are sure his smiling face and calm demeanor will be missed on the nightly newscast, we look forward to seeing what our newsroom can do with Darrell at the helm.