WKMG-TV News 6 in Orlando today announced the promotion of Autumn Jones to Vice President/General Manager & News Director, effective August 24, 2025. Jones, who joined News 6 as News Director in April 2025, will now oversee both news operations and general management functions for the Graham Media Group station.
“Autumn has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision since joining our team,” said Catherine Badalamente, President & CEO of Graham Media Group. “Her proven track record of building audiences, driving innovation, and strengthening community connections makes her the ideal leader to guide WKMG into its next chapter of growth.”
Jones brings 25 years of broad-based leadership experience in broadcast journalism and strategic communications. A three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and University of Missouri graduate, she has established herself as an advanced tactician in content management and distribution, with demonstrated success in turning research and performance data into measurable growth across multiple platforms.
Prior to joining News 6, Jones served as Station Manager and News Director at WFTX-TV FOX 4 in Southwest Florida, where she built audience across all platforms, launched a successful hyper-local journalism brand, and secured a broadcast rights deal with a local professional soccer team. Under her leadership, the station raised more than $200,000 for hurricane recovery efforts while safely guiding journalists through multiple major storms, including near-Category 5 Hurricane Ian.
Jones has deep roots in Central Florida, having worked nearly 15 years at ABC affiliate WFTV-TV before serving as Media Relations Director for the Orlando Police Department. In that role, she managed strategic and crisis communications during critical periods, including the pandemic and 2020 protests. Her Media Relations Office was recognized as a significant department strength by an independent, year-long third-party analysis conducted by The Bowman Group and two national nonprofits.
“I’m honored to take on this expanded role and continue serving the Central Florida community,” said Jones. “This promotion allows me to leverage my experience in both content creation and strategic operations to ensure News 6 remains the market’s essential news source while exploring new opportunities for growth and community engagement.”
As an exceptional communicator and brand manager, Jones specializes in live, visual, and emotional storytelling, social media engagement and growth, and building transparent relationships between media, law enforcement, and the community. Her innovative approach to content distribution and creative strategies has consistently delivered results across traditional and digital platforms.
In her new role, Jones will work closely with all departments to drive station-wide strategy, identify new revenue opportunities, and maintain WKMG’s position as Central Florida’s critical news source.