Kenny Lawrence has been named general manager of KLFY, Young Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate in Lafayette, La.
Since 2008, Lawrence has held several executive-level television roles in Atlanta, including as director of programming and creative services for CBS affiliate WGCL. He was previously the director of marketing and creative services for the CBS Television Stations in Boston.
“Kenny brings to Lafayette his broad knowledge of broadcasting, digital, sales, news, creative and marketing,” Young Broadcasting CEO Deborah McDermott said in a statement. “His track record of developing successful projects, building relationships in local markets and demonstrating a strong understanding of and dedication to the business will prove to be invaluable assets. I am delighted to have him as a part of our team.”
Lawrence replaces Mike Barras, who is retiring at the end of this year after more than 50 years at KLFY. Read the release after the jump.
YOUNG BROADCASTING NAMES VETERAN BROADCAST, CREATIVE AND MARKETING EXEC KENNY LAWRENCE G.M. OF KLFY-TV IN LAFAYETTE, LA
Nashville, TN, Nov. 7, 2013 – Young Broadcasting, LLC, has named veteran broadcast, creative and marketing executive Kenny Lawrence as General Manager of CBS affiliate KLFY-TV in Lafayette, La., announced Deborah McDermott, President and CEO of Young Broadcasting.
Lawrence will replace VP-General Manager Mike Barras, who recently announced he will retire at the end of this year after more than a half a century at the station. Barras will remain as a senior advisor through June 2014.
“Kenny brings to Lafayette his broad knowledge of broadcasting, digital, sales, news, creative and marketing,” Ms. McDermott said. “His track record of developing successful projects, building relationships in local markets and demonstrating a strong understanding of and dedication to the business will prove to be invaluable assets. I am delighted to have him as a part of our team.”
Previously, starting in 2008, Lawrence served as director of programming and audience development for Meredith’s WGCL/WPCH in Atlanta; a key liaison to both Meredith corporate and Turner Broadcasting for Peachtree TV; and Executive Producer of Atlanta Falcons pre-season broadcasts.
Lawrence earlier served for six years as director of marketing and creative services for the CBS Television Stations in Boston, where he oversaw local programming (including the launch of Red Sox Friday Night Baseball) and developed original fare for three of the group’s stations.
He also held positions as creative director for Warner Bros. Productions and marketing manager of KCOP, the UPN station in Los Angeles.
Throughout his career, Lawrence worked as part of the creative teams that developed, launched and marketed high-profile events, including the Boston Marathon, Live at the Hollywood Bowl concerts and many local news initiatives.
Married with a son and daughter, Lawrence is heavily involved in youth baseball. A graduate of New Hampshire’s Plymouth State University, Lawrence holds a bachelor’s degree in English.