LIN Media has announced three promotions within the company’s executive ranks. Jay Howell has been promoted to vice president of regional television, Patrick Wholey has been named president and general manager of WPRI-WNAC in Providence, and Joseph Abouzeid has been named president and general manager of WDTN-WBDT in Dayton.
Howell previously was the president and general manager of WPRI-WNAC. In his new role as vice president of regional television, he will oversee those stations as well as WWLP in Springfield, WAVY-WVBT in Norfolk, WIVB-WNLO in Buffalo, WDTN-WBDT in Dayton, KIMT in Mason City and KSNT in Topeka.
“Jay did an outstanding job as General Manager, building revenue and profit performance through the growth of audiences both on-air and online, staff development and relationships with clients and viewers in the local community,” LIN Media EVP Scott Blumenthal said in a statement.
Replacing Howell as president and general manager of WPRI-WNAC will be Wholey, who has been the stations’ general sales manager since 2006. A Rhode Island native, Wholey has worked at the stations since 2002, when he joined WPRI-WNAC as an account executive.
Wholey’s first task for the stations will be selecting a new news director. Abouzeid, who has served in that role since 2007, will join WDTN-WBDT as general manager. He replaces Lisa Barhorst, who left the stations for rival WKEF-WRGT earlier this year.