CINCINNATI – Michael Doback, director of engineering for WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, in Detroit, has been named vice president/engineering for The E.W. Scripps Company’s broadcast television station group, effective Dec. 1.In his new role, Doback will be responsible for strategic technology planning, implementation and facility operations for the 10 Scripps stations.Doback succeeds Warren P. Happel, who will retire Dec. 31. Happel has been vice president/engineering for the Scripps station group since 1981.“Our industry is in the midst of revolutionary, technological change, so finding the right person for this position was very important,” said James M. Hart, senior vice president for broadcast television. “Michael Doback thoroughly understands the technical side of this business and, working closely with Warren, has been on the frontlines as we’ve advanced into the new digital age. Michael’s appointment ensures a seamless transition as Warren retires from a long and distinguished career.” Doback has been with WXYZ for 29 years, joining the station in 1971 as a staff engineer. He was named director of engineering at the station in 1992. Before that, he served as engineering manager/chief engineer, manager of electronic news gathering and supervisor of technical support.A member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and the Society of Broadcast Engineers, Doback is a graduate of Wayne State University and is certified as a senior professional by the Society of Broadcast Engineers. He is a licensed builder and has worked extensively in facility planning and construction.Happel, who has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, joined Scripps in 1981. Prior to his tenure at Scripps he was chief engineer for Michigan State University’s WBSB-TV; a field sales engineer for RCA; and a consulting engineer with JFX Browne and Associates in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse media concern with interests in newspaper publishing, broadcast television, cable television networks and interactive media. Scripps operates 20 daily newspapers, 10 broadcast TV stations and three cable television networks, with plans to launch a fourth.Scripps cable television network brands include Home & Garden Television, Food Network, Do It Yourself, and Fine Living, due to launch in the second half of 2001.The company also operates Scripps Howard News Service, United Media, the worldwide licensing and syndication home of PEANUTS and DILBERT, and 31 Web sites, including hgtv.com, foodtv.com, diynet.com and comics.com.