McTear To Retire; LaPlatney Named Successor

Raycom Media President-CEO Paul McTear will retire at the end of June, it was announced this morning.

SVP Pat LaPlatney, who joined Raycom in 2007 to oversee the group’s digital efforts, will succeed McTear in the top job.

Raycom also announced the promotion of SVP Susana Schuler to EVP, content and operations. In the role, Schuler will continue to oversee news, marketing and programming, while adding research and other operational responsibilities.

McTear, who will take a seat on the Raycom board, joined the company at its inception in 1997 and was named CEO in 2001. Since then, he has built Raycom into the largest privately owned TV station group in the United States with 62 stations in 20 states. He led the company beyond station operations with the acquisitions of PureCars, Tupelo Honey Productions, RTM and WebStream.

Raycom Chairman John Stein commended McTear for his integrity and the culture he fostered at the company. “Paul was instrumental in creating a collaborative and forward-thinking culture that has continuously delivered industry-leading results for our shareholders and our main lender, the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

“Our board of directors is grateful for Paul’s leadership over the years and delighted that he will continue to serve the company as a board member and adviser.”

LaPlatney currently oversees all revenue for the company along with the company’s such digital ventures as PureCars as well as production businesses including Raycom Sports, Tupelo Honey Productions, RTM PowerNation and WebStream Productions.

“We have great people here at Raycom Media, and it’s a genuine honor and privilege to serve as CEO of the company.” LaPlatney said. “Paul McTear has done a magnificent job of growing our business over the years, and has been a wonderful mentor to me and many others at Raycom Media.

“Local broadcasting is an extraordinary business with a very bright outlook. I look forward to working with our senior management team, to guide the company into what will be a very exciting and rewarding time for local media.”

Prior to joining Raycom Media in 2006, Schuler was corporate news director for Nexstar Broadcasting Group for nearly 10 years. Before joining Nexstar, Schuler served in various news management, reporter and anchor roles across the country.

“In her 10 years here in Montgomery [Ala.],” LaPlatney said, “Susana has made countless contributions to the company, in many different disciplines. 

“She has an extraordinary work ethic that makes all of us around her better at what we do, and it’s a privilege to make this announcement today. Susana will play an integral role as we move Raycom Media forward into the digital age, and I could not be happier for her, or more excited for the company.”

Schuler said: “Our almost 5,000 employees make Raycom Media who we are each day by embracing and maximizing localism. I’m deeply proud to be a partner in that mission and excited about what the future brings for our leaders to serve our audiences, communities and our clients like no other broadcast company in America can.”