Resurfacing Up The 5

Back in October, FTVLive told you that News-Press & Gazette (NPG) abruptly shut down the news operations at KION-TV, its CBS affiliate on California's Central Coast, after 56 years on the air.

Anchor/News Director Scott Rates was the last one to leave the newsroom.

Rates has resurfaced up I-5, where he takes over as the News Director of CBS O&O, KOVR/KMAX.

The promotion is effective March 23. In this new role, Rates will report to Scott Warren, president and general manager of CBS Northern California, overseeing editorial strategy and newsroom operations for both KOVR and KMAX. The appointment comes as CBS continues to integrate its Sacramento and Bay Area stations into a unified Northern California operation, which has recently focused on introducing AR/VR capabilities and constructing a new studio in Sacramento.

“Having spent my career working in newsrooms across California, it’s a privilege to step into this role serving communities throughout Northern California,” said Rates. “CBS Sacramento and CBS Bay Area have a strong legacy of innovation in local news, and I look forward to working with these outstanding teams at KOVR and KMAX as we continue delivering trusted journalism that informs and connects viewers across the region.” 

Rates originally joined CBS Bay Area in November 2025 as a bureau reporter.