John Mason has been named news director at Hubbard Broadcasting owned station, KOB, according to Rick Gevers’ blog.

Mason, who comes from Hubbard’s Minneapolis affiliate, KSTP, was an anchor and managing editor at the Albuquerque NBC affiliate between 1997 and 2004.

Gevers reports Mason will replace Laurie Passman who is returning to her previous position as assistant news director for KTVK in Phoenix.

KOB reporter Sharon Erickson died on Saturday following complications from surgery she had earlier in the week. She was 30.

“You know her as Sharon Erickson, we know her as Sharon Fullilove, and she was exactly that, full of love,” KOB news director Laurie Passman said in a statement. “We were privileged to have her in our newsroom. She lit up any room she entered. She was a good person, a dedicated reporter and a rising star who loved covering news in this community. She will be greatly missed.” Read more

Albuquerque’s KOB has hired Laurie Passman, an assistant ND with Phoenix’s KTVK, as news director.

“She brings a lot of passion, skill and leadership to our news operation,” said Mike Burgess, KOB’s vice president and general manager, in announcing the hiring. “Laurie is from Albuquerque. Her knowledge of the city and the news business will insure we continue to produce the best news in town.”

Passman grew up in the Albuquerque area and attended the University of New Mexico. She began her TV news career as an intern with KOB in 1996.

“I was a weekend assignment editor, then weekend morning show producer. I drove live trucks, answered phones and organized files. I would have swept the floor if they asked,” Passman said, recalling her previous experience with KOB. “I credit my experience there with giving me a solid foundation in the news business.” Read more