In May, Joe Abouzeid departed Ohio’s Miami Valley and headed to Western New York to take on the role of VP/GM for Nexstar Media Group‘s WIVB-4 and WNLO-TV in Buffalo. This left a leadership hole open at the Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate serving Dayton, Springfield, and Kettering.
Nexstar has now filled the VP/GM position at WDTN-2 by promoting the Director of Sales for its ABC affiliate serving New York’s Capital District, where she’s been since 2008.
As of July 20, Melissa Jones (née Mangona) will serve as Vice President and General Manager of Nexstar’s broadcasting and digital operations in Dayton.
This will also put Jones in charge of overseeing Nexstar’s two joint operating agreements for Vaughn Media-owned WBDT-TV, the CW Network affiliate in Dayton.
Jones has experience with such duties, as her current role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy sees her overseeing Nexstar’s shared services agreement with Mission Broadcasting-licensed WXXA-23, the market’s FOX affiliate, in addition to Nexstar-owned WTEN-10.
Once in Dayton, she’ll report to Nexstar Media SVP/Regional Manager for Broadcasting Doug Davis.
“Melissa’s success and commitment make her the ideal choice to lead our media businesses in Dayton,” Davis said. “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 gained her current role in 2019, and has been associated with WTEN-10 for 14 years. She started as an Asst. Assignment Editor, moving to sales in 2009 under former owner Young Broadcasting.
During her time at WTEN and WXXA, the stations increased both their ratings and revenue, becoming more competitive in a three-way battle that includes Sinclair-owned WRGB-6 and Hubbard-owned WNYT-13, the Capital District’s CBS and NBC affiliates, respectively.
Commenting on her move to Ohio, Jones said, “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. 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.”
Jones was a heralded diver in high school and in college, earning honors for her aquatic efforts.
Melissa Jones is a member of The Alliance for Women in Media and serves on the Futures Committee of the New York State Broadcasters Association, which actively seeks to bring new and emerging talent into the broadcasting industry. She is a graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
