Tampa TV news station returns to Sarasota-Bradenton

SARASOTA — The NBC affiliate in Tampa, WFLA-TV News Channel 8, has filled a vacant position for on-air reporting in the Sarasota-Bradenton market.

The new reporter, according to a release, is John Rogers. A graduate of Florida State University, Rogers previously worked for WALA-TV in Mobile, Ala., where he was a reporter and backup anchor since 2009, the release states. Rogers also previously worked for WCTV in Tallahassee.

Rogers replaces Jackie Barron, who had been the Sarasota-Manatee reporter for News Channel 8 for more than 10 years. Barron left in 2011.

Rogers will focus on news and events in the Sarasota-Bradenton community. “Sarasota and Manatee counties are important areas of coverage for News Channel 8,” WFLA News Director Don North says in the release. “And, we think it's vital to have a reporter who actually lives in the area where he works. John will live in Sarasota, where he'll have the opportunity to really get to know the community.”

'¨Richmond, Va.-based Media General owns WLFA-TV. Media General sold the Tampa Tribune to a private equity group in October.