Roy Clem to Join UA’s WVUA7 Team

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Roy Clem, former general manager of ABC 33/40, Birmingham’s ABC affiliate, will be joining The University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences as a consultant for its broadcast operations, including WVUA7 and the Center for Public Television and Radio, announced Culpepper Clark, dean of the College.

Clark said Clem’s depth experience in the Birmingham market will be a decided asset as WVUA7 moves toward what Clark calls “a full-power rollout of its fall programming.” The College recently acquired local Channel 23, a full-power station, and began simulcasting its WVUA7 programming over its new signal in December.

“We have been getting a lot of good, expert advice on how to move forward with our new full-power station,” Clark said. “I have asked Roy to assemble all of this advice into a realistic and innovative plan for the Birmingham market and beyond.”

Johnny Price, general manager of WVUA7, says Clem brings a wealth of experience to the broadcast operations.

“Roy Clem is a respected leader among Alabama broadcasters,” said Price. “His input into our operations will be extremely valuable.”

Elizabeth Brock, director of the Center for Public Television and Radio, said Clem will play a critical role in assisting Media Solutions, a division of the Center that develops client-based, multi-media projects for educational, informational and promotional uses, as it expands its focus to include the development and production of new original programming for Channel 23.

“We are excited about the future,” Brock said. “We’ve already been meeting with Roy informally and are eager to work with him on a formal basis in the creation of new, innovative programming that supports our local mission.”

In addition to his tenure at ABC 33/40, Clem has been in broadcasting for more than 30 years, 11 years with the Allbritton system with more than 6 years as general manager, principally in Virginia, and has an extensive background in both news and programming.

Most recently he has worked with the Alabama Broadcaster’s Association.

“The opportunity to work with the College of Communication, with WVUA7, and with the Center for Public Television and Radio is a dream at this time in my career,” Clem said. “What they’re doing is building a national laboratory that can re-make television. Where else would I want to be?”