TEGNA Names Scott Dempsey President and General Manager at WLTX in Columbia, South Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) has appointed Scott Dempsey as president and general manager of WLTX, its CBS affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina. Dempsey brings significant experience from his 2015-2022 role as vice president and general manager at WBTV in Charlotte, where he led the station to achieve top market position for the first time in 35 years.

During his career, Dempsey served as a regional vice president for Raycom Media, overseeing multiple stations across the Southeast. His background includes sales positions at ABC National Sales, WABC-TV, and WFTS-TV, as well as entrepreneurial experience as CEO of a Florida-based home building business.

In his new role at WLTX, Dempsey will be responsible for managing station operations across all platforms and driving advertiser results. The appointment is effective immediately.

Positive

• Previous success in leading WBTV to top market position in Charlotte
• Extensive regional management experience overseeing multiple stations
• Diverse background combining media sales and entrepreneurial experience

Negative

• None.

TYSONS, Va., Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced that Scott Dempsey has been named president and general manager at WLTX, TEGNA’s CBS affiliate serving Columbia, South Carolina, effective today. In his role, Dempsey is responsible for overseeing the station’s operations across all platforms, as well as driving results for advertisers. 

Dempsey was vice president and general manager at WBTV, a market-leading CBS affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina, from 2015-2022. During his tenure, the station achieved the top position in the market for the first time in thirty-five years, maintaining a consistent ranking within the top two in Charlotte. During his time at Charlotte, Dempsey also served as a regional vice president for Raycom Media responsible for overseeing WBTV, WIS-TV in Columbia, SC, WFXG-TV in Augusta, GA and WTOC-TV in Savannah, GA.

Prior to his general manager roles, Dempsey held a variety of sales positions at ABC National Sales, WABC-TV in New York, and WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida. Dempsey also did a seven-year stint as an entrepreneur and chief executive officer at a Florida-based home building business. 

“Beyond Scott's impressive track record as a general manager, he brings a wealth of sales expertise and a keen entrepreneurial spirit to WLTX,” said Richard Dyer, senior vice president, media operations, TEGNA. “I have full confidence that Scott will lead the WLTX team to even greater viewer and revenue growth and create new opportunities to serve the Midlands region.”

“Local media brands like WLTX aren't just delivering information—they're shaping the conversation, fostering trust, and making a real difference in people's lives, whether through breaking news, weather coverage or impactful stories,” said Dempsey. “I'm thrilled to join the WLTX team, a station with a rich legacy of news leadership and community engagement. Together, we'll amplify that influence, leveraging new technologies and platforms to ensure that WLTX continues to be a trusted and innovative resource for our viewers, no matter how they tune in.”

Dempsey served as president of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and member of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. He was on the CEO Council of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and served as council member for the Tourism Leadership Council of Greater Savannah. He also served on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Regional Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Coast Empire United Way. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Communications from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) serves local communities across the U.S. through trustworthy journalism, engaging content, and tools that help people navigate their daily lives. Through customized marketing solutions, we help businesses grow and thrive. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches approximately 100 million people every month across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. For more information, visit TEGNA.com.

For media inquiries, contact:
Anne Bentley
Vice President, Chief Communications Officer
703-873-6366
abentley@TEGNA.com

For investor inquiries, contact:
Julie Heskett
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
703-873-6747
investorrelations@TEGNA.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7287b694-5506-4042-b63b-f99185e62f0c

FAQ

When did Scott Dempsey join TEGNA's WLTX as president and general manager?

Scott Dempsey joined WLTX as president and general manager effective January 6, 2025.

What was Scott Dempsey's achievement at WBTV Charlotte before joining TGNA?

At WBTV Charlotte, Dempsey led the station to achieve the top position in the market for the first time in 35 years, maintaining consistent ranking within the top two positions.

Which stations did Dempsey oversee as regional vice president for Raycom Media?

As regional vice president for Raycom Media, Dempsey oversaw WBTV in Charlotte, WIS-TV in Columbia, WFXG-TV in Augusta, and WTOC-TV in Savannah.

What are Scott Dempsey's main responsibilities in his new role at TGNA's WLTX?

At WLTX, Dempsey is responsible for overseeing the station's operations across all platforms and driving results for advertisers.