CBS Taps Jay Howell As Sacramento GM

Veteran television stations executive Jay Howell has been named vice president and general manager of CBS-owned KOVR (CBS) and KMAX (The CW) Sacramento, Calif. (DMA 20).

Howell is succeeding Kevin Walsh, who has moved to San Francisco to serve as president-GM of CBS’s duopoly of KPIX and KBCW.

Howell, who has 18 years of experience as a general manager and station group executive, most recently was VP of broadcast markets for Media General, where he oversaw the company’s station operations, including several CBS and CW affiliates, in 14 markets across the country. Prior to leaving Media General earlier this year when the sale of the company to Nexstar was finalized, Howell spent four years as a member of the CBS Affiliates Board.

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

He previously served 11 years as VP-GM of WPRI and WNAC, 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.

Howell graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in managerial economics and industrial management.