Carolyn Calkins Smith died Thursday after a long battle with cancer.
Calkins Smith was the co-owner of Calkins Media, owner of three local TV stations in the South as well as several newspapers.
“The story of Calkins Media – our private ownership, our continued dedication to a community service and committed family stewardship was made possible because of Carolyn’s life and the example she set,” said Calkins CEO Mark G. Contreras.
Smith is credited with the expansion of WWSB in Sarasota, FL.
“She was the president and hands-on manager of the station,” said Ed Birch, a former Calkins executive. “She went down there and represented the family in the early days. Her news days at the Courier Times gave her a leg up. The quality greatly improved from her being there so much.” Birch added, “The company is going to miss Carolyn.”
Carolyn Calkins Smith was the daughter of Stanley Willis Calkins, Sr. the founder of Calkins Media the family owned station group owns WAAY in Huntsville, AL, WTXL in Tallahassee, FL, and WWSB.
Smith was 74.