On August 16, Gray Media flagship WANF-46 will become an independent station, dropping the CBS Television Network. That’s tied to the home of 60 Minutes and National Football League games moving to an owned-and-operated property across town.
We now know who will lead the stations following Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount Global closes on Thursday.
For Tom Canedo, there’s no change in duties, as he’ll continue as President/GM for WUPA-69, getting the “CBS Atlanta” brand as it sheds its “Atlanta69” identity.
Shawn Hoder will serve as VP/News Director, as Barbara Roeder takes the role of VP/Sales.
Hoder will relocate to Atlanta from Pittsburgh, where he currently serves in a similar role for KDKA-2. His first day in Atlanta will be August 18, and he will report to Canedo.
Hoder previously spent seven years in the Atlanta market at WXIA-19 and has held newsroom leadership roles in Orlando; Seattle; Washington, D.C.; Columbus, Ohio; and Tampa.
Roeder rejoins CBS after serving as director of sales for FanDuel Sports Network, where she led multiplatform sponsorship sales for the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. She previously spent 15 years at WUPA.
Her first day at CBS Atlanta will also be August 18.
Jennifer Mitchell, President of CBS Stations and CBS News and Stations Digital, commented, “Launching CBS Atlanta represents a significant investment in local journalism and community connection. Tom, Shawn and Barbara each bring deep experience and strong ties to the Atlanta market. Their leadership will be essential as we build a station that reflects the voices of the community and delivers trusted, impactful news and content.”
While “CBS Atlanta” bows on August 16, WUPA’s new news operation will debut in September.
