WBIR names Taz Painter as news director

WBIR-TV named Taz Painter as its news director Wednesday, according to a news release from the organization.

Painter is returning to Knoxville after working as the news director at WZZM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously worked at WBIR as managing editor from 2007 to 2014.

"I'm so thrilled to be coming home to WBIR," Painter said in a statement. "The Straight from the Heart brand is something that becomes part of your DNA. Even if you leave, it never leaves you. That's why I feel humbled and privileged to be invited to rejoin this team."

Before working at WBIR, Painter worked as an executive producer for KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico; as a producer for WYFF-TV in Greenville, South Carolina; and as an anchor and reporter for WHKP-AM in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

"Taz's institutional knowledge of our East Tennessee community, coupled with his Straight from the Heart, will be assets in continuing our tradition of serving the East Tennessee community," said David Hunt, WBIR president and general manager.

The News Sentinel has reached out to Painter for comment and will update this story if he responds.