Melissa Jones has been promoted to vice president and general manager of Nexstar’s broadcasting and digital operations in Dayton, Ohio, including WDTN (NBC), wdtn.com and its related digital and social media channels.
On July 20, Jones takes over for Joe Abouzeid, who was named vp and gm of Nexstar’s Buffalo media operations in May. This is a promotion from within Nexstar for Jones, who had been the director of sales for the station group’s WTEN and for Mission Broadcasting’s WXXA in Albany, New York since 2019.
In this new role, she will also be responsible for overseeing Nexstar’s relationship with Dayton’s CW affiliate Vaughn Media owned WBDT under two joint operating agreements.
“Melissa’s success and commitment make her the ideal choice to lead our media businesses in Dayton,” said Doug Davis, Senior vp and regional manager for the broadcasting division of Nexstar Media Inc. “She is an innovative and experienced executive, who understands how to connect with local viewers and advertisers and build community relationships. Importantly, Melissa is an engaged leader, who enjoys and is adept at collaborating with all departments in achieving strategic goals. This has led to her superb tenure in Albany and I look forward to continued successes under Melissa’s leadership with our terrific team in Dayton.”
Jones’ broadcast career started at WTEN in 2008 as an assistant assignment editor. She moved into sales the following year and rose through the ranks to lead all broadcast and digital sales efforts for WTEN and WXXA.
“I am honored to be assuming this new role in Dayton, and extremely grateful to Nexstar for giving me this opportunity. I appreciate the legacy of service established by WDTN-TV and Vaughn Media’s WBDT—and the important role they play in the community,” said Jones. “The strength of WDTN-TV, Dayton’s CW and their digital and social media channels, combined with Nexstar’s commitment to hyper-local content and the unique and customized advertising and marketing solutions we can offer, give us a distinct advantage in meeting the needs of the area’s viewers and advertisers. I look forward to working with our dedicated team in Dayton and quickly connecting with the Dayton regional community.”