Biography

A graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Jim Prather holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio-Television and Political Science, and a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield.

After acquiring his Master’s Degree, Jim began his career as a government reporter for WICS-TV in Springfield, Ill.  He later went to work as a government reporter for KARK-TV in Little Rock, Ark., where he covered the Bill Clinton-Frank White Gubernatorial campaign and the ensuing Clinton administration.  Prather made the transition to management ranks when he became the assignment editor for KTHV-TV in Little Rock.  During his tenure, he improved hard news coverage which resulted in higher ratings and award-winning newscasts.  Later, Prather served as News Director at KRIS-TV in Corpus Christi, KTXS-TV in Abilene and KSBY-TV in San Luis Obispo.  In 1989 he became Assistant News Director at WMAR-TV in Baltimore.  Two years later he was named News Director at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee.

During his twelve year tenure in Milwaukee, Prather rebuilt the organizational structure and culture in the TMJ-4 newsroom to provide more viewer-focused newscasts.  In August 1995, Prather was named General Manager of TMJ-4.  With the help of a resurgent NBC prime time, a strong leadership team, and a strategic plan which focused on winning breaking news, weather and investigative reporting, TMJ-4 became the dominant news leader in the Milwaukee marketplace.

In 1997, Prather was named Executive Vice President, Journal Broadcast Group.  In December 1998 he became President of the television group.  In August 2003, Prather moved to Las Vegas and took on the role of VP & General Manager of KTNV, a station located in Journal Broadcast Group’s single largest revenue market.  In July 2005, Prather was named Executive Vice President Television and Radio Operations of Journal Broadcast Group, overseeing KTNV in Las Vegas and KMIR in Palm Springs.  He now oversees radio and television station clusters in Boise and Tucson, as well as television stations KMIR & KPSE in Palm Springs.