KITV announced today that Genie Garner will join the station as its news director effective in October.

Garner had previously worked in Hawaii from 1989-1991 as a producer for KGMB. Since that time Garner has held news management positions in a number of markets, including assistant news director at KMOV-TV (CBS) in St Louis and most recently as news director at WHAS-TV (ABC) in Louisville, Ky.

“Coming back to Hawaii years later and renewing my connection with the local viewer is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Garner said. “There is so much growth and change for the State and the local television industry. I am looking forward to establishing a long and successful working relationship with KITV President and General Manager, Mike Rosenberg and the entire team at Island Television.”

“It is serendipitous that our need came at a time when Genie felt a strong desire to come back to Hawaii. She is certainly qualified to lead our news team at a time of great turmoil and opportunity in the market”, said KITV President and General Manager Mike Rosenberg.

Hearst Television Inc. owns 26 television stations and manages an additional three television and two radio stations.