Shaun Newell

Shaun Newell was a highly respected television executive and journalist in Peoria, Illinois, serving as Vice President and General Manager of WMBD-TV (CBS) and its partner station WYZZ. A native of central Illinois, he built his career around a deep passion for local news and community-focused storytelling. Before moving into television leadership, he worked in both radio and TV, including time at WMBD Radio and WEEK-TV. In 2017, he became News Director for WMBD and WYZZ, where he helped expand the stations’ news offerings, launched a 4 p.m. newscast, and oversaw the creation of their first dedicated digital news department. Under his leadership, the newsroom earned multiple awards recognizing excellence in journalism and diversity.

Beyond the newsroom, Shaun was deeply committed to the Peoria community. He was involved with organizations such as the Center for the Prevention of Abuse, the Dirksen Congressional Center, and Rotary. His educational background included a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Western Illinois University and an MBA from Bradley University, reflecting his dedication to both strong journalism and thoughtful organizational leadership.

Tragically, Shaun Newell passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 47 after a courageous, year-long battle with cancer. His loss was felt across the central Illinois media landscape, where colleagues and community members remembered him for his professionalism, mentorship, integrity, and unwavering belief in the importance of local journalism.