Scott Rates Promoted to VP of News for CBS Sacramento Stations

Veteran journalist to oversee editorial strategy and newsroom operations for KOVR-TV and KMAX-TV

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:05am

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CBS Television Stations has announced the promotion of veteran journalist Scott Rates to vice president of news for its Sacramento stations, KOVR-TV and KMAX-TV. In his new role, Rates will oversee editorial strategy and newsroom operations, including staff leadership and content development across broadcast and digital platforms.

Why it matters

The Sacramento stations are part of CBS Northern California's unified operation, which serves one of the largest and most dynamic broadcast regions in the country. Rates' extensive experience reporting across California uniquely positions him to help lead the stations' efforts to continue expanding their reach and storytelling capabilities across the region.

The details

Rates will report to Scott Warren, president and general manager at CBS Northern California. Together with CBS Bay Area, the Sacramento stations are part of a unified CBS Northern California operation serving audiences across the Pacific coastline through the Bay Area, Sacramento and Central Valleys, and into communities along the Sierra Nevada. The region has also emerged as a leader in newsroom innovation, becoming the first in the nation to introduce full augmented and virtual reality capabilities (AR/VR) across its newsrooms.

  • Rates joined CBS Bay Area in November 2025.
  • Rates' promotion to VP of News for the Sacramento stations is effective March 23, 2026.

The players

Scott Rates

A veteran journalist who has been promoted to vice president of news for CBS Northern California's Sacramento stations, KOVR-TV and KMAX-TV.

Scott Warren

The president and general manager at CBS Northern California, who Rates will report to in his new role.

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What they’re saying

“Having spent my career working in newsrooms across California, it's a privilege to step into this role serving communities throughout Northern California. 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.”

— Scott Rates

“Scott brings deep experience as a news director and a strong understanding of the stories that matter most to communities across Northern California. Having led multiple newsrooms in the region and reported in San Francisco, he combines editorial leadership with the instincts of a seasoned journalist.”

— Scott Warren, President and General Manager, CBS Northern California

What’s next

Rates' promotion to VP of News for the Sacramento stations is effective March 23, 2026.

The takeaway

Rates' promotion to lead the news operations for CBS's Sacramento stations highlights the network's commitment to innovation and delivering trusted journalism to communities across Northern California, a rapidly growing and dynamic media market.