ST. LOUIS — An award-winning journalist with more than four decades of experience has been named as 5 On Your Side’s newest hire. Tom Planchet will serve as the station’s next digital director, reporting to Director of Content Morgan Schaab.
Planchet is a native of New Orleans and has managed KSDK sister-station WWL’s digital platforms for 23 years.
He started at WWL in 1982 as an intern and became a sports producer in 1983. He served in that role until moving to the newly created digital team in 2000 and became the team’s manager the following year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Planchet to our content leadership team at KSDK as the Director of Digital,” said Schaab. “Tom's vast experience and innovative approach, demonstrated during his impressive tenure at our sister station in New Orleans will be invaluable as we continue to expand and enhance our digital presence. His passion for growth and excellence aligns perfectly with our mission and we are excited to see the positive impact he will have on St. Louis, our team and our audience.”
During Planchet’s time at WWL he’s been part of covering some of the nation’s biggest stories, including Hurricane Katrina. During the hurricane, he started a blog detailing what was happening, which received national publicity. His digital hurricane coverage helped WWL earn a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and a First Place New Orleans Press Club Award.
"I am so excited to continue my career with Tegna and KSDK,” said Planchet. “I really love what I do on the digital side, and I really love trying to develop young digital talent and see them progress in their careers. What's impressed me the most about KSDK is the enthusiasm I see from everyone I've met so far! I'm hoping to continue the great tradition there!"
During Planchet’s tenure at WWL, the website has been awarded seven Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for “Best Website,” the top digital award from Louisiana Associated Press for five consecutive years, and the top digital award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters for three consecutive years. In 2021, WWL won a National Murrow Award for Best Digital coverage.
Planchet earned a degree in broadcast journalism from University of New Orleans. He’s married and has three daughters.
His first day at 5 On Your Side will be Aug. 19.
About 5 On Your Side
5 On Your Side is the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri and has been a leader in local news, information, and community involvement for more than seven decades. 5 On Your Side is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), an innovative media company that owns and operates 64 television stations in 51 markets. To learn more about 5 On Your Side, please visit KSDK.com.
For more information contact:
Alicia Elsner, 314-444-5256
