BREAKING: Cox to sell stations in six markets.

In a move that will remake its radio station portfolio Cox Media Group is selling radio stations in six markets and TV stations in four markets. The deal will leave Cox with a portfolio more concentrated in larger mid-sized and major markets, including several where it owns television stations and newspapers.    As part of the realignment, Cox is also shuffling several managers.

Cox is selling its clusters in Birmingham; Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.; Honolulu; Louisville; Richmond; and Southern Connecticut, as well as television stations in four markets   ̶   El Paso; Johnstown, Pa.; Reno, Nev.; and Steubenville, Ohio.

“This simplified structure will enable Cox Media Group to capitalize on continued growth and synergies, while retaining its size financially,” said CMG President Doug Franklin. “All of our media outlets, regardless of size, are valuable, profitable brands with strong futures thanks to the hard work and dedication of our talented professionals who serve their audiences, advertisers and communities.  We thank the leaders and employees in the locations we’re selling for their outstanding contributions to this company over the years and the valuable service they will continue to provide their respective communities.” 
The move has led to several management changes.  Former Group VP Kim Guthrie is CMG’s new Senior Vice President responsible for radio markets, and former Austin American-Statesman Publisher Jane Williams is the company’s new Senior Vice President responsible for TV markets, both reporting to Bill Hoffman, EVP over broadcast.  Additional leadership changes effective immediately include:

• Former Group VP Rich Reis is now VP and GM of Digital Operations reporting to EVP Neil Johnston.
• Former Group VP Ben Reed is now VP and Market Manager of Atlanta radio reporting to Kim Guthrie.  Ben succeeds Dan Kearney, who is now VP and Market Manager of Miami radio. Kearney succeeds Jerry Rushin, who is retiring from the company later this month.
• Former Group VP Jay O’Connor, as previously announced, is the new VP and GM at KIRO TV in Seattle.

 Additionally, EVP Mike Joseph continues to oversee CMG’s newspaper operations and CMG Ohio. The company will announce the new publisher of the Austin American-Statesman in the near future.