Larry Perret, a TV news veteran who previously served as news director at LA stations KCOP and KCBS, has been named ND of Salt Lake City’s KTVX-KUCW. KTVX, an ABC-affiliate, and KUCW, its CW-affiliate sister station, announced on Wednesday that Perret would assume management of their joint news department on May 16th.

“We’re thrilled to bring a broadcasting pro with Larry’s talent and background on board,” said Matt Jaquint, general manager of KTVX-KUCW, in making the announcement.

Most recently, Perret has been working as a news producer for “Entertainment Tonight.” Before joining the syndicated programming world, Perret worked in an array of markets across the country, including Phoenix, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and San Diego, in addition to Los Angeles, and his experience as a one-time senior consultant for Frank N. Magid Associates means that he’s accustomed to revamping news departments.

And KTVX is in desperate need of some revamping.

The ABC-affiliate finished in fourth place in audience share during the recent February sweeps period and staffers often complained about the mercurial nature of former news director Pat Livingston, who was let go in March after just over a year with the station.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at ABC 4 and CW30,” Perret said, “and look forward to working with the many talented individuals at the station”.