Davis Named New CBS Affiliate Relations EVP

Kurt Davis has been named executive vice president, affiliate relations for the CBS Television Network, it was announced Monday by Leslie Moonves, chairman-CEO of CBS Corp., to whom he will report. He succeeds Elizabeth Tumulty, who has led the CBS affiliate relations group since December 2013.  

In his new role, Davis, who has been VP, news services for CBS News since 2013, will oversee all day-to-day operations for the network affiliate relations department. He will also work closely with Ray Hopkins, president of television networks distribution, who will continue to oversee business affairs and affiliation agreements. 

Davis was previously responsible for overseeing CBS Newspath, CBS News’ satellite newsgathering organization which provides video to more than 200 affiliates and broadcasters around the world.

“Through his work with Newspath, which is of great importance to our affiliates, Kurt developed a strong understanding of the intricacies involved within the network-affiliate business model and where it is heading,” said Moonves. “Going forward, working with Ray, Kurt will now be a big part of our continuing efforts to build upon CBS’s status as the No. 1 broadcaster in the business. Clearly, CBS’s affiliates are a big part of our success and it is gratifying to have someone with Kurt’s expertise managing these important relationships. I know that he will be a tremendous asset for the Network and for our stations across the country.”

“Kurt has over two decades of management experience at the local station level and the relationships he has formed with our affiliates over the past three years make him an excellent fit for this position,” said Hopkins. “I look forward to the contributions he will make in this new role as we continue to work closely with our affiliates, exploring new partnerships and ensuring that CBS receives full value for our programming.”

Prior to joining CBS News, Davis spent 10 years as executive news director at CBS affiliate KENS San Antonio, Texas, where he oversaw all editorial content, while also setting short and long-term strategies for the unit.

Davis has spent much of his career in key news positions in a variety of markets around the country. Before KENS, Davis spent four years as manager of coverage and content at WSB Atlanta and served six years as news director at WDSU New Orleans.

Previously, Davis was managing editor at KDFW Dallas; news director at WSET Lynchburg, Va.; assistant news director at KATV Little Rock, Ark.; and was a weekend producer and senior producer at WBRZ Baton Rouge, La.  

Davis graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s of Arts and Sciences in journalism from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.