The news was first shared on a Texas local media blog and shared by the individual at the heart of the report via LinkedIn early Friday morning. A former Regional VP for Urban One‘s radio division from October 2004 through March 2015, overseeing its Dallas and Houston stations, is returning to the company.
And, he’s reassuming that role after a decade away from the properties, effective November 10.
For Doug Abernethy, taking the post ends a six-month sabbatical created with his May 9 departure as an Austin-based regional vice president for Audacy Inc. Abernethy joined Audacy to lead its Miami-Fort Lauderdale station group in March 2015, becoming a regional VP in March 2021 some 3 years after relocating to Austin, Texas, from South Florida. It was a return to the Lone Star State for Abernethy, who was Regional VP for Urban One from October 2004, overseeing its Dallas and Houston stations. Circa March 2003, Abernethy was Director of Sales for Cox Media Group’s Houston radio properties.
“I had the honor of leading all the stations with my time at Cox and Radio One,” Abernethy told mikemcguff.com. “Now they are under one roof. It was truly a heartfelt family reunion. It is such a humbling opportunity to lead such a great group of talented people. I look forward to reconnecting with our advertisers, listeners, and community.”
Abernethy will take a role currently held by Radio One VP/Market Manager Pamela McKay, who the company confirmed midday Friday is transferring to Urban One’s Atlanta operations to run its radio division in that market. McKay joined the Urban One Houston properties eight years ago, following a nearly 10-year run as iHeartMedia in Austin’s Market President.
“Pam and Doug represent the kind of leadership that moves our business
forward—strategic, disciplined, and performance-driven,” said Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins III. “Pam’s proven record of building high-performing teams and driving
market growth, combined with Doug’s operational expertise and regional insight,
strengthens our ability to deliver results and position these markets for long-term success.”
