Savorgnan-Smith new sales exec at KHBS-TV

Giovanna Savorgnan-Smith, a sales executive with Hearst Television’s WDSU, the NBC affiliate in New Orleans, has been named general sales manager of KHBS-TV/KHOG-TV, the Hearst Television Inc. ABC and CW affiliates serving the Fort Smith and Fayetteville television market.

Savorgnan-Smith’s 10-year career as local sales manager for WDSU saw her play an instrumental role in rebuilding the local sales team, while also helping the station find creative advertising solutions for New Orleans building contractors and home improvement-related companies in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She was promoted to local sales manager after two years as an account executive.

Prior to joining WDSU, Savorgnan-Smith rose through the ranks at New Orleans CW affiliate, WNOL-TV, including stints as an account executive, national sales manager and local sales manager.  She began her sales career as an account executive for a New Orleans weekly publication and also served as media buyer/account executive for an advertising agency.  Savorgnan-Smith graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from New Orleans’ Loyola University in 1984.

Savorgnan-Smith, her husband, Tim, and their two children will relocate to the area.