Jim Lemon has been named news director of Santa Barbara ABC affiliate KEYT.

“Jim brings our growing news team the experience and dedication that will help guide KEYT as we embark on a new chapter in our history,” said KEYT general manager Mark Danielson. “Under new ownership, KEYT is in the process of launching High Definition Local News, expanding its journalistic resources by adding more reporters and expanding its news-gathering efforts with new offices in Santa Maria.”

Lemon last worked as news director for WITI. He left the Milwaukee FOX affiliate in 2011 after six years there.  He has previously worked at KOVR in Sacramento, KGMB in Honolulu and KSNT in Topeka, KS.

KEYT was recently bought by the News-Press and Gazette which owns stations in Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Oregon and Arizona as well as KESQ in Palm Springs, CA.