Lin Media announces management changes at WPRI

PROVIDENCE – Lin Media, which owns WPRI-TV CBS 12, announced three key management promotions on Wednesday.
John “Jay” Howell, who has been president and general manager of WPRI since 2001, has been promoted to vice president of regional television – a newly created position.
In his vice presidential role, Howell will report directly to Lin Media’s executive vice president of Television Scott Blumenthal to oversee operations of the company’s owned and operated television stations in Providence; Springfield, Mass.; Norfolk, Va.; Dayton, Ohio; Mason City, Iowa and Topeka, Kansas.
“Jay did an outstanding job as general manager, building revenue and profit performance through the growth of audiences both on-air and online, staff development and relationships with clients and viewers in the local community,” Blumenthal said in prepared remarks. “We are pleased that he is stepping into the company’s new regional management role.”
Taking over for Howell as WPRI general manager is Patrick Wholey, the station’s former general sales manager. In his new role, Wholey will oversee day-to-day operations of Providence’s CBS and Fox stations and a MyNetworkTV digital channel.
Lin Media also announced the promotion of Joseph Abouzeid to president and general manager of WDTN-TV and WBDT-TV in Dayton, Ohio. Abouzied was formerly news director for WPRI-TV and WNAC-TV.
Lin Media currently operates 43 television stations and seven digital channels in 23 U.S. markets, and brings entertainment to 10.5 percent of television homes in the country.

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