WAFB Baton Rouge GM Lee Meredith Retiring

Lee Meredith, vice president and general manager of Raycom Media’s CBS affiliate WAFB Baton Rouge (DMA 94), will retire on March 30 after serving more than 40 years in the broadcast industry.

Before his four years at WAFB, he held GM positions with Raycom Media’s NBC affiliates in Memphis, Tenn. (WMC), and Huntsville, Ala. (WAFF).

Meredith started his career as a reporter and rose through the news ranks. “I’ve been fortunate to have been on the front row of all sorts technical advancements that enhance the way people consume news and entertainment,” Meredith said. “It’s been a wonderfully exciting ride in the media business, and I saved the best for last. The WAFB team members are a very talented group. Their relationship with the community they serve epitomizes why I got into this business in the first place.”

On top of running television stations, he has served on several broadcasting associations, chambers of commerce and numerous other community organization boards. Throughout his career, Meredith received several honors, including the 2016 General Manager of the Year by Broadcasting & Cable and an induction into the Silver Circle of the Midsouth chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“Lee has a passion for local journalism and the important role of broadcasters in their communities,” said Sandy Breland, Raycom Media senior group vice president. “His leadership and dedication were key as WAFB helped the Baton Rouge area deal with the aftermath of historic flooding and the chaos following the police shootings. Lee’s had an amazing career and I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Meredith and his wife, Patti, plan to relocate to Chapel Hill, N.C.