WISN 12 is pleased to announce that Ben Hart will lead the station’s news operation as its new news director, following more than a decade of award-winning journalistic and managerial experience across the country. Prior to joining WISN 12 News, Hart served as news director at (Hearst-owned) WAPT in Jackson, Mississippi for the past several years. Hart replaces Chris Gegg, who announced his departure from WISN earlier this month. “Ben is a smart and passionate journalist who dedicates himself to excellence, and in being an innovator,” says Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “He focuses on winning every story through strong story-telling, editorial leadership, and interesting execution,” added Wade. Prior to serving as news director at WAPT, Hart handled a variety of roles at other stations, including assistant news director, executive producer, senior producer, and producer at (Hearst-owned) KCRA/KQCA in Sacramento, CA, and WDSU in New Orleans, LA. Hart also worked at WCBI Columbus, MS. In these positions, he earned prestigious honors including Associated Press Newsperson of the Year in 2015, Associated Press Best Newscast, Emmy awards for Best Newscast and Breaking News, along with a Murrow Award for Best Continuing News Coverage. He also helped guide his WAPT news team to the number one position in the Jackson, Mississippi market. "WISN is an exciting place for a true journalist to plant a flag, because it’s one of the class leaders of our company,” says Hart. The journalists within the WISN newsroom already have a pedigree to 'Lead the Way'. Who wouldn't want to join and lead a strong team like that?” adds Hart. Throughout his career, Ben has been at the forefront of several major stories ranging from Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, to severe tornado and wildfire coverage, to community issues such as government accountability and race relations. “We will ask tough questions and answer the real concerns of Southeastern Wisconsin better than ever before,” said Hart, in commenting on his new role at WISN TV. “And most importantly, WISN will be a champion for the community. Working 13 years under the Hearst umbrella has been the best training possible for how to do it the right way.” Hart starts at WISN 12 in early January. “We are lucky to have Ben joining our experienced team at WISN 12 News,” adds Wade. “He’s committed to digging deep to provide viewers as many facts as possible, and his energy is infectious.” About Hearst Television WISN 12, the ABC station in Milwaukee, is owned by Hearst Television Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation. Hearst Television, a national multi-media company, owns and operates 29 local television stations and two local radio stations, serving 30 U.S. cities and reaching approximately 18% of U.S. television households. The TV stations broadcast 60 video channels, featuring local and national news, weather, information, sports and entertainment programming, and local community service-oriented programs. The stations also host and operate digital on-line and mobile platforms that extend the company’s brands and content to local, national and international audiences. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation. The Company’s Web address is HearstTelevision.com.