TDS Telecommunications, LLC (TDS®) has named Matt McDonald the new general manager of Central Oregon Daily that operates KOHD-ABC and KBNZ-CBS in Bend. McDonald, a veteran newsmaker and Oregon native, had been the interim general manager since November; his move into the permanent position was effective Jan. 2, 2025.

McDonald started as news director at Central Oregon Daily in July 2019. Under his leadership, the fastest growing news station won numerous awards including two Northwest Regional Emmy Awards and 19 Emmy nominations in the last four years.

“With an emphasis on storytelling and celebrating the best of Central Oregon, Matt has taken the news product to the next level. I am pleased he has agreed to bring his leadership to the entire organization,” said Drew Petersen, TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

Prior to returning to Bend, McDonald was the weekend manager, anchor, and reporter for KSTU-Fox 13 in Salt Lake City. He was also lead anchor at KTVZ-NBC and KOHD-ABC.

“Being born and raised in Oregon and spending more than two decades in Bend, I am excited for this new opportunity,” said McDonald. “Our community has been so supportive of us as a news operation – we take our responsibility of telling impactful stories seriously. I hope we can make an even greater impact moving forward.”

In 2008, McDonald was named best new journalist from the Society of Professional Journalists of Oregon. He is a graduate of Oregon State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

McDonald enjoys being active in the community and can be seen at the ball fields this spring coaching his son’s little league team.