Eric Thomas has been promoted to vp and GM of Nexstar-owned Fox affiliate WGMB and CW affiliate WBRL in Baton Rouge, La.
Thomas will also oversee the joint operating agreement with White Knight Broadcasting NBC affiliate WVLA and Independent KZUP. He comes from Nexstar’s CBS affiliate KLBK in Lubbock, Texas where he was the vp and GM.
“Eric has outstanding executive broadcast leadership experience with expertise in managing operations in markets with multiple network affiliations,” said Nexstar evp and Co-COO Brian Jones. “He brings to his new position a proven record of success and a deep understanding of Nexstar and our critical functions including station management, news and local programming, digital and social media integration and strategic planning, which have resulted in new revenue-generating opportunities for the stations he has managed.”
Jones has also worked as vp and GM at KTAB and KRBC in Abilene, Texas and has served as GSM at KAMC and KLBK in Lubbock.
To replace Jones, Nexstar has named Cindy Gilstrap vp and GM of KLBK in Lubbock. She’ll also oversee KAMC through Nexstar’s joint operating agreement.
She’s been the director of sales at KLBK since 2012.
“A well-respected leader, Cindy has built high-achieving, deeply engaged sales teams that have established enduring partnerships with local advertisers, businesses and community organizations by providing unparalleled client service,” said Nexstar’s svp of Broadcasting Julie Pruett. “She brings to her new position a deep understanding of Nexstar and our critical functions including exclusive local content production, digital and social media integration, strategic planning and effective cross-platform marketing solutions.”