Local television stations aim to deliver ‘big-market’ quality newscasts

DULUTH — Todd Wentworth, vice president and general manager of KBJR 6, CBS 3, My9 and Duluth CW, says his cluster of stations is determined to deliver local broadcasts that match the polish and substance of far larger markets — because, he says, viewers here shouldn’t have to settle.

“The Duluth television stations serve a large geographical market,” Wentworth said during an interview last week. “We remind our news department all the time that we serve more than just Duluth and Superior proper. We cannot neglect other important parts of our coverage area such as the Iron Range, northwestern Wisconsin, the UP of Michigan and all points in between. That’s a monumental task.”

KBJR 6 (NBC) remains the local flagship, anchoring high-rated evening newscasts that consistently draw the region’s biggest audiences. Sister station CBS 3 (KDLH) provides its own newscasts and a deep slate of network programming, while My9 fills a vital role with syndicated shows, local sports and community specials. Duluth CW (KBJR-DT3) targets a younger audience with popular national series and digital integrations that keep it competitive.

Though Wentworth is quick to note he’s “not a news guy,” he says that perspective is actually a strength, allowing him to focus on the broader business while trusting seasoned journalists and technical staff to do what they do best.

“I am, however, smart enough to stay out of the kitchen and let the news professionals do what they know,” he said. “I’m proud of our team, both those on camera and those behind the scenes.”

That pride runs especially deep for what he calls a newsroom full of “storytellers,” people empowered to chase stories that matter across the vast coverage map. At the center of that effort is news director Michael Baldwin, who Wentworth described as “likely the best news director that our building has ever seen.” He added that Baldwin brings “big market experience and knowledge,” and that in the end, local viewers are the real beneficiaries of his leadership.

Under Baldwin, the newsroom is stacked with journalists and producers who Wentworth says embody the station group’s mantra of “Content, Community and Culture,” a philosophy set by its parent company Gray Television.

He praised anchors and executive producers Natalie Hoepner and Briggs LeSavage — a Duluth East graduate — along with co-executive producers Dan Wolfe and Laura Lee, who Wentworth said are “dedicated 24/7 to overseeing the content that our viewers deserve.”

Wentworth also singled out directors Jordan Sherman and Ryan Skorich, a Duluth Denfeld alum, who work behind the scenes to make sure broadcasts run with seamless precision.

“They take great pride in our on-air presentation,” he said.

Despite being a known springboard for young journalists who often go on to larger cities, Wentworth said the stations work hard to keep standards high and the pipeline full.

“We understand that we are often a stepping stone for young journalists and that they come and go,” he said. “We are always in recruitment mode and we try and hold a high standard for those that come into our newsroom.”

Wentworth credited Gray Television for being “nothing but supportive but also extremely hands off when it comes to running our station,” allowing the local operation to shape coverage that truly resonates here.

“Their mantra is Content, Community and Culture. We take that very seriously,” he said.

As for the ultimate goal, Wentworth made it clear he wants to keep pushing the bar higher.

“Our expectation is to get better every day,” he said. “I firmly believe that our viewers deserve a newscast that rivals larger markets. I don’t think they should have to settle.”

NorthShore Inline Marathon

The NorthShore Inline Marathon, a staple on Minnesota’s sporting calendar since 1996, has been named Minnesota’s Best Annual Sports Event or Race by the Star Tribune’s statewide readers’ choice awards.

The honor underscores the event’s growth from a fledgling inline competition into North America’s largest and longest-running inline marathon, drawing thousands to Duluth each September for a weekend that celebrates fitness, community and the North Shore’s natural beauty.

“This means a lot to our team and our community,” said Andrew Weisz, marketing director for the race. “What makes our event special is the people. From the athletes and volunteers to our sponsors and the city of Duluth itself, this award belongs to all of us.”

The 2025 edition is set for Sept. 13, with organizers expecting nearly 3,000 participants from all 50 states and more than 15 countries. Race weekend officially kicks off Friday, Sept. 12, with the NorthShore Skate and Health Expo at the DECC, featuring more than 70 vendors from the health, fitness and inline industries. The expo is free and open to the public.

The event lineup has also broadened beyond skating. The Finden Marketing Tunnel 10K takes runners through Duluth’s freeway tunnels on a unique urban course, while the half marathon offers scenic Lake Superior views, finishing near the historic William A. Irvin. Both races have steadily grown in popularity and welcome all levels of runners.

Since its start nearly three decades ago, the NorthShore Inline Marathon has welcomed more than 100,000 athletes from around the world. The event now includes a full marathon, half marathon, combined events, 10K races, and rollerski competitions, cementing its place as a signature celebration of outdoor sports along the North Shore.