A former Media General executive who has been on the sidelines since the company’s merger with Nexstar was completed has just resurfaced. His new role is as VP/GM of CBS’s owned-and-operated stations in the capital of the Golden State.
The appointment comes as the head of these two CBS stations heads west on I-80 to San Francisco for a promotion.
With Kevin Walsh‘s shift to San Francisco to serve as President/GM of CBS O&Os KPIX-5 and KBCW-44, the role of VP/GM of KOVR-13 and KMAX-31 has been handed to Jay Howell.
Howell is an 18-year TV industry veteran who previously held the role of VP/Broadcast Markets for Media General. He oversaw the company’s station operations, including several CBS and CW affiliates, in 14 markets across the country. He spent two years in the Providence-based role, exiting in February 2017 following the closing of Media General’s merger with Nexstar.
Howell came to Media General through its acquisition of LIN Television, where he had served as VP/Television following an 11-year run as VP/GM of WNAC-TV & WPRI-TV in Providence.
“I am excited to be coming home to California and being part of CBS’s terrific duopoly in Sacramento,” Howell said. “CBS 13 and CW 31 have great reputations and I look forward to working with my new teammates at the stations to strengthen the bonds we have with our viewers and advertising partners.”
Howell began his station management career as the GM of KRBC-TV in Abilene, Tex., and KACB-TV in San Angelo, Tex.
