ATLANTA – Broadcasting group Gray Television announced that two veteran general managers in Texas and Louisiana plan to leave the company.
Laura Long will step down from her position as GM of CBS affiliate KNOE in Monroe, Louisiana, effective today (October 4). GM Rick Dean has set a Dec. 31 retirement date for Texas-based KXII Sherman, which owns CBS, Fox and MyNetworkTV.
“Laura and Rick exemplify the quality leadership and commitment to excellence that this company strives for at each of its stations,” Sandy Breland, Gray’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “On behalf of Gray, I would like to thank them for their many years of service and wish them all the best in their retirement.”
Laura Long began her 35-year television career in Monroe after attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe, joining cable operator Cablevision Systems in 1992 and rising to general sales manager. She joined WUPL New Orleans in 1999 as a local sales manager and moved to WTOG Tampa where she served as general sales manager and was ultimately named general manager in 2010. He joined Gray in 2014 as vice president and general manager of KNOE.
Rick Dean began his media career in 1989 at an Oklahoma City radio station. He moved to the television station and KXII in 1985, working for various owners until Gray acquired the radio station in 1989. His roles included Account Executive, Assistant Sales Manager, and General Sales. He became manager of KXII and was promoted to general manager in 2002. During his tenure, KXII won the regional Edward R. Murrow Award three times, among other honors.
Gray is currently searching for new leaders for both departments.
