Cox Names New GMs In Seven Markets

Cox Media Group on Tuesday appointed veteran broadcast leaders to take on senior leadership roles in seven markets. They will move into their roles between now and the end of the year.

Boston (DMA 10): With Tom Raponi’s upcoming retirement, Joe Pomilla will lead CMG Boston as VP-GM of Fox affiliate WFXT, reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. Previously, Pomilla, a 30-year broadcasting veteran, was VP-GM for CMG Charlotte. Before joining CMG, he was VP-GM at WCBD Charleston, S.C.

Charlotte, N.C. (DMA 23): Cedric Thomas has been promoted to CMG Charlotte’s new VP-GM for WSOC (ABC) and WAXN (ind.), reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. Most recently, Thomas was director of sales for CMG Pittsburgh. Thomas joined WPXI from WEWS Cleveland where he was director of sales.

Memphis (DMA 50): Susan Connor has been promoted to VP-GM of WHBQ (Fox), reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. Connor previously was the creative services director at KIRO Seattle. She has a 33-year career in broadcast television and was the station manager of KOB-TV Albuquerque, N.M., before joining CMG.

Orlando, Fla. (DMA 18): In this newly integrated market, Jason Meder has been promoted to GM of CMG Orlando’s WFTV (ABC) and WRDQ (ind.), where he will report to Market VP Paul Curran. Meder comes to Orlando from CMG Tampa Radio, where he has spent the last 16 years, most recently as the director of sales.

Pittsburgh (DMA 24): Kevin Hayes is returning to CMG. He will be CMG Pittsburgh’s new GM for WPXI (NBC), reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. From 2010 to 2013, Hayes was the VP-GM of WJAC Johnstown, Pa., a property previously owned by CMG. Most recently, he was GM of Sinclair’s KFOX and CBS4 in El Paso, Texas.

Jacksonville (DMA 42): Market VP Dan Lawrie has promoted Bob Longo to work with him on the market’s integration strategy as CMG Jacksonville’s new GM. Longo, whose broadcast career began in radio, has most recently been the news director at Jacksonville’s WFOX (Fox) and WJAX (CBS). Prior to joining CMG, he spent five years as news director at WESH Orlando and nearly 10 years as news director at WTAE Pittsburgh.

Miami (DMA 16): Regional VP Rob Babin has promoted Ralph Renzi to GM of CMG Miami Radio. Renzi most recently was the director of sales for Miami Radio. Prior to joining CMG Miami, Renzi was a member of the sales management team at WTOP Bonneville/Hubbard Radio in Washington.