Gregory Deffenbaugh

News Director

Gregory Deffenbaugh serves as News Director for KTVZ-TV, the NBC affiliate based in Bend, Oregon. He joined KTVZ News after leading the award-winning newsroom at WREX-TV, the NBC station in Rockford, Illinois.

During his tenure at WREX-TV, Deffenbaugh guided the station to numerous honors from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association, including Best Station three consecutive years, Best Newscast and Best Digital Presence for two consecutive years, and recognition for Best Breaking News Coverage.

Deffenbaugh’s career in broadcast journalism has taken him across the country, holding senior newsroom leadership and producing roles at respected stations including KMGH-TV and KDVR-TV in Denver, KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City, and WOI-TV in Des Moines.

A 2009 graduate of Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Journalism, Deffenbaugh has earned numerous professional accolades, including regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for Overall Excellence in 2019 and 2020, a Heartland Emmy Award, and recognition from the Colorado Broadcasters Association for Best Newscast and Best Hard News Coverage.

Deffenbaugh is also a Kneeland Fellow, selected to attend the Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism in Austin, Texas — a program that advances compassionate, ethical, and effective newsroom leadership.

He is passionate about fostering a newsroom culture built on care, integrity, and community connection, continuing KTVZ’s legacy as Central Oregon’s news leader.