Thomas Trades Florida For Georgia at TEGNA

It’s another sign that Nexstar Media Group won’t be assuming control of the NBC affiliate in the South’s biggest market, its in-market sibling or the CBS affiliate serving nearby Macon, Ga., anytime soon.

TEGNA has appointed a new President/GM for the three properties, and he’s inbound from the Sunshine State.

Earning the ride up Interstate 75 is Tim Thomas, tasked with leading WXIA “11Alive” in Atlanta and unaffiliated WATL-36 in Atlanta. Thomas will also oversee CBS affiliate WMAZ-13 in Macon.

Thomas will be responsible for overseeing station operations across the three stations’ linear and digital platforms, shifting from a similar role overseeing TEGNA’s Tampa-St. Petersburg and Jacksonville stations. He succeeds Kristie Gonzales, who TEGNA named earlier this week as one of a trio of new VP of Ad Sales, overseeing the sales teams at TEGNA properties in the Northeast and Southeast.

“Tim is a visionary leader who blends operational excellence with clear insight into what drives our future growth and success,” said Joan Barrett, newly named Group GM for TEGNA’s Northeast and Southeast regions. “We are confident he will bring that same passion, energy, and proven track record to the Atlanta and Macon markets.”

It’s a return to Atlanta for Thomas: he served as Station Operations Manager for WXIA & WATL, where he oversaw local on-air and digital programming and developed new business opportunities.

“I’m excited to return to continue the station’s success across platforms,” he said, adding that he’s looking forward to working with the teams in Atlanta and Macon “to create meaningful content and to develop new opportunities that will increase our impact for viewers and advertisers.”

Before assuming his role in Florida in March 2023, Thomas served as President/GM TEGNA’s West Texas stations: KWES, KXVA, and KIDY, where he led all operations. He’s also been News Operations Director for WTLV & WJXX, a role he had before before his first tenure in Atlanta.

Thomas is a 2022 National Association of Broadcasters Business Leadership Program graduate.