He’s been associated with a TV station in Lansing, Mich., owned by The E.W. Scripps Co., for some 26 years and had been its Station Manager and Director of Sales. As of today (9/15), he’s now in nearby Grand Rapids — and in the dual roles of GM and Director of Sales — for a Scripps sibling.
Now in those roles at WXMI-TV, the Scripps-owned Fox affiliate in the Michigan city known as the birthplace of President Gerald R. Ford, is Gary Baxter.
Baxter is nationally known, largely for his former role as Chairman for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
He’s also a Mitten State media sales veteran, and spent eight years working in local media sales in West Michigan prior to joining Scripps’ WSYM-TV in Lansing — first at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, and then at WOTV in Battle Creek.
“Joining the Fox 17 team feels like a homecoming,” Baxter said. “I look forward to helping to build on the strong relationships already established in West Michigan and to working alongside such a dedicated team as we further enhance our connection to the community.”
Scripps Regional VP/GM Mike Murri commented, “With nearly 40 years of experience working in television, Gary brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the local broadcast landscape. His leadership and commitment to excellence will help drive our mission of serving the Grand Rapids community.”
Baxter began his career in television at WMTV in Madison, Wisc.
