Starkville native, SHS alum named general manager at WTVA

A Starkville native and graduate of Mississippi State University will soon take the helm at news station WTVA, which covers the Tupelo-columbus markets and is the news partner of the Starkville Daily News and Daily Times Leader.

The announcement was made on Monday that Danny Walker will assume the role of general manager after the retirement of longtime general manager Jerry Jones.

Walker will begin in his new position on Feb. 15.

Walker joined WTVA as director of sales over four years ago, coming from WAPT in Jackson, where he was local sales manager for 11 years.

WTVA said Walker began his career selling cable advertising before moving to WJTV in Jackson as an account executive. He also ran his own advertising agency in Jackson for seven years.

“I'm excited to have this opportunity to lead such a wonderful and talented staff of broadcasters,” Walker told the Starkville Daily News on Monday. “Our teamwork makes us stand out as we continue to work toward a common vision to serve our community. I look forward to our continued success.”

COO of Heartland Media Andy Fisher said Walker worked his way up in the television news business, amassing a breadth of experience leading sales organizations and helping clients achieve their goals.

“He knows TV, he understands people, and has deep Mississippi roots,” Fisher said. “[Heartland President] Bob Prather and I, believe Danny will offer strong leadership to the WTVA team, which has built such a strong record in news, sales, and community service.”

Jones also notified the WTVA staff of the change and said it “could not have turned out better for the staff and the communities we serve.”

“Danny is the perfect choice to lead this amazing group of broadcasters to new heights of success,” Jones said.

Walker is a 1982 graduate of Starkville High School and a 1988 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he met his wife of 33 years, Pam Mills-walker. They have two children, Lauren and Hayes.

WALKER