WYMT Names Josh White News Director, Returns to Eastern Kentucky

WYMT confirmed on December 18 that Josh White will take over newsroom leadership beginning January 19. White, who grew up working in the area and has previous experience at the station, returns with more than 25 years in television news, digital content and newsroom leadership. He will oversee newsroom operations, editorial direction and a multi platform news strategy for WYMT in Hazard.

White joins WYMT after a stint managing marketing and social media for Magic Monograms in Somerset since 2022. Earlier in his career he led a 40 person news team as news director of Gray Media's KAIT in Jonesboro Arkansas, and served as assistant news director at WFIE in Evansville Indiana. He has held on air, production and leadership roles at several stations, including prior work in Hazard. White succeeds Jennifer K. Perkins, who was promoted into the news director role in 2023 after serving as a producer. He will be only the seventh news director in WYMT's 40 year history.

Station leadership framed the hire as a strategic step toward stronger regional service and a more digitally oriented operation. “We’re thrilled to welcome Josh back to our area,” said Jaime Kawaja, president and general manager of WYMT and WKYT. “His deep newsroom experience, proven leadership and digital first approach will strengthen our coverage and help WYMT better serve viewers across the region.” White said he was eager to continue a local tradition of reporting and mentoring. “It’s an honor to return to WYMT and carry on the tradition that so many others have done before ... telling Your Mountain News,” White said. “From Ralph Gabbard to Tony Turner to Neil Middleton, I look forward to telling the stories of the people of Eastern Kentucky. I’m excited to jump back into the news mix and teach proper journalism to journalists.”

For Perry County residents the appointment signals potential changes in how local events, schools, public safety and economic developments are covered. A digital first newsroom could increase online and social platform content, affecting how viewers receive breaking news and how local businesses allocate advertising dollars. For station staff the leadership change may bring shifts in hiring, training and budget priorities as WYMT balances television operations with expanding digital distribution.

As WYMT moves into its fifth decade serving Eastern Kentucky, the new director faces the twin challenges of sustaining local reporting resources and adapting revenue models in a changing media market. White's experience running a 40 person team and his stated focus on journalism and mentorship leave the station positioned to reshape coverage for the region in the coming year.