KWTX – Waco and KBTX - Bryan/College Station today announced leadership changes for its Central Texas CBS and CW - affiliated operations following the retirement of KWTX - Waco General Manager Robert Bunch effective December 31, 2013. Mr. Bunch retires after an impressive 45 year career in radio and television broadcasting , the past ten working within Gray Television. Following Mr. Bunch’s retirement, KBTX - Bryan /College Station General Manager Mike Wright will become Vice - President and General Manager of KWTX and KBTX . In that role, he will oversee daily operations in Waco while maintaining oversight of KBTX . KBTX announced that its current General Sales Manager, Lori Bruffett , will add Station Manager to her title. As Station Manager, Ms. Bruffett will oversee daily operations in Bryan /College Station .

Mr. Bunch began his broadcasting career in Austin, Texas, as a radio announcer at KRMH - FM , and continued in programming, sales, and management in radio and television, having spent the last 24 years in Central Texas. “Bob Bunch has been a force in Texas broadcasting and Gray is fortunate to have enjoyed his stewardship of KWTX for the past decade,” commented Hilton Howell, President and CEO of Gray Television.

Mr. Wright joined KBTX in 1991 and has served as General Manager since 2003. A graduate of Baylor University, he was recently recognized by his peers as the 2013 Broadcaster of the Year by the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

“Mike is well - known as a leader in the broadcasting industry and has strong ties to Central Texas . His vision and passion for local television is a great fit for the legacy that KWTX enjoys and has worked hard to maintain for the past 60-plus years,” said Mr. Howell . KBTX was recently awarded with 27 Texas Associated Press Awards, including the TAPB Award for Overall Excellence in Television and the award for Best Newscast. The station also earned its first regional Edward R. Murrow award, Newscast of the Year from the Headliners Club of Austin and two Lone Star Emmys.

Ms. Bruffett, a native of the Brazos Valley , has excelled at numerous positions within KBTX for over 25 years. She served as local sales coordinator for a number of years prior to assuming the position of General Sales Manager.

Bob Smith, Senior Vice President for Gray’s Midwest and West Region observed , “Mike and Lori bring a history of knowledge and insight from this very unique market. We are thrilled to have such excellent talent in-house able to step forward upon Bob’s retirement to bring KWTX and KBTX to the next level. Together, the leadership team will expand the synergies between the properties and, importantly, enhance our history of service to the communities of Central Texas . ”