New Vision Television has hired a corporate chief engineer for its growing TV station group.

He is David Bird, formerly regional chief engineer for Clear Channel Television (now Newport Television) while based at KTVX Salt Lake City. Previously, he served as chief engineer at KSAS Wichita, Kan., and WFTC Minneapolis.

As New Vision's top tech, Bird will be based at KOIN, the CBS affiliate in Portland, Ore. “I think it's important … to work out of a television station,” said Bird. “This has always helped me stay close to daily challenges our operations face.”

New Vision is headed by CEO Jason Elkin and COO John Heinen.

In addition to KOIN, New Vision currently owns WIAT Birmingham, Ala. (CBS); WKBN/WYFX Youngstown, Ohio (CBS/Fox); KIMT Mason City, Iowa-Rochester, Minn. (CBS); KHON Honolulu (Fox), KSNW Wichita, Kan. (NBC); and KSNT Topeka, Kan. (NBC).