Gray Names GMs In Augusta, Harrisonburg

Gray Television on Thursday appointed two veteran broadcasters as general managers of its stations in Augusta, Ga. (DMA 111), and Harrisonburg, Va. (DMA 177).

Gray Co-COO Nick Waller said: “Today we promote two skilled veterans, with deep roots in their stations and communities, to lead our Augusta and Harrisonburg stations upon the impending retirements of legendary leaders John Ray and Tracey Jones. All four of these individuals exemplify the character and commitment that we believe makes Gray a great company for dedicated broadcasters to grow their careers.”

In Augusta, Mike Oates will become GM of WRDW (CBS) and WAGT (NBC). Over 26 years, Oates has consistently risen through the ranks at WRDW, and he has been the station’s general sales manager for the past 10 years.

In Harrisonburg, Sacha Purciful will lead WHSV (ABC) and WSVF (CBS/Fox). She has been the general sales manager of these stations for the past year. Previously, Purciful held sales management positions in Knoxville, Tenn., and Huntsville, Ala.

Both Oates and Purciful will assume their new positions upon the retirements this spring of John Ray in Augusta and Tracey Jones in Harrisonburg.

Ray, who will be inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame later this month, has worked in various positions and markets with Gray for 23 years and for other broadcasters for 21 years before that.

Jones has spent the past 30 years working in and managing various Gray television stations.