Jay Howell Named KCBS-KCAL President-GM

Jay Howell

Veteran television station executive Jay Howell today was appointed president and general manager of the CBS Television Stations’ Los Angeles properties, KCBS, KCAL, CBSLA.com and the newly launched CBSN Los Angeles, a local direct-to-consumer streaming news service. Howell is succeeding Steve Mauldin, who retired from CBS at the end of May following 20-plus years with the company’s station group and nearly 10 years at the helm of the two Los Angeles stations.

Howell, who has 20 years of experience as a general manager and station group executive, was born in Palm Springs, Calif., and grew up in nearby Palm Desert. He is returning to Southern California after having served as VP-GM of the CBS Television Stations’ Pittsburgh properties, KDKA, WPCW and CBSPittsburgh.com, since July 2018. Prior to that, he was the VP-GM of the company’s Sacramento properties, KOVR, KMAX and CBSSacramento.com, since August 2017.

Before joining CBS Television Stations, Howell was VP of broadcast markets for Media General, where he oversaw the company’s station operations, including several CBS affiliates, in 14 markets across the country. Prior to leaving Media General in 2017 when the sale of the company to Nexstar was finalized, Howell spent four years as a member of the CBS Affiliates Board.

“Jay is a talented and experienced leader who has received high praise from co-workers, clients and community partners everywhere he has been during the last two decades,” said Peter Dunn, president, CBS Television Stations.

Howell learned the local stations business from his father John, the GM of WPXI Pittsburgh from 1984-2001.

Howell’s background also includes more than 13 years with LIN Media, most recently as VP, television (2013-14), where he oversaw operations for 46 stations in 23 markets. Prior to that, he was a regional VP, television (2012-13), with responsibility for 13 stations in seven markets.

He previously served 11 years as VP-GM of WPRI (CBS) and WNAC (Fox), which at the time were the LIN-owned stations serving Providence, R.I., and New Bedford, Mass. He began his station management career as the general manager of KRBC Abilene, Texas, and KACB San Angelo, Texas.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in managerial economics and industrial management, Howell spent the first 10 years of his career with WTOV Steubenville, Ohio.