GENERAL MANAGER - WLIO

GRAY MEDIA; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray Media is seeking a dynamic General Manager for WLIO, NBC/CBS/ABC/FOX in Lima, Ohio. The candidate will lead a multi-platform TV station, drive revenue growth, and oversee daily operations across departments while upholding the highest ethical standards.

With 10+ years in media leadership, you will shape strategy, manage budgets, ensure FCC compliance, and foster community relationships. A Bachelor's degree and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of media management experience (GM/DOS/ND/CSD)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; equivalent experience may suffice
• Strong understanding of the industry and its future
• Great communication skills—written, presentation, oral, and people skills
• Must manage multiple priorities to meet tight deadlines
• Strategic/analytical thinker and influencer
• Leadership skills including emotional intelligence and conflict resolution
• Ability to build teams and high performers
• Willingness to be a community leader
• Familiarity with employment law compliance at an operational level
• Able to adapt to changing business needs and lead through change
• Identify, hire, and retain talent
• Proficient with MS Suite and SAP-type tools
• Valid driver's license with clean record

Responsibilities

• Lead a fully functioning multi-platform media station with a focus on growing revenue and audience
• Develop strategic and operational plans for growth in multi-platform content delivery and revenue alignment with the local brand
• Communicate effectively with department heads; foster collaboration and accountability
• Encourage innovation across all levels of the organization
• Develop relationships with clients and business partners; provide community leadership
• Provide training and development opportunities to team members
• Oversee financial statements and budgets; ensure station compliance
• Ensure FCC, EEO, SOX, and applicable rules are followed
• Uphold company policies and ethical standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

People skills

Adaptability

Budgeting/financial oversight

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

MS Suite

SAP/ERP systems

Job description

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 47 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WLIO:

Located in Lima, Ohio, WLIO is proud to bring all four major networks—NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX—under one roof. As a station serving the Midwest, we enjoy the beauty and variety of all four seasons while staying closely connected to the communities we serve.

WLIO offers applicants the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, collaborative team in a welcoming market where journalists and media professionals can make a meaningful impact.

Job Summary/Description:

Gray Media is looking for the next General Manager for WLIO, NBC, CBS. ABC, & FOX in Lima, Ohio. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of media management experience, including experience as a General Manager, Director of Sales, or News Director or Creative Services Director. The Vice President/General Manager will report directly to a Senior Operating Officer - Local Media of Gray and will be responsible for the management of all aspects of the station in a highly competitive and decentralized corporate culture.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead a fully functioning multi-platform media station with a focus on growing revenue and audience
• Be the primary leader in generating ratings and revenue. Develop strategic plans and operational plans for the station's growth in multi-platform content delivery and revenue generation that are in alignment with the local brand
• Effectively communicate with department heads and all employees. Create a collaborative, team-based environment. Lead with positive motivation, direction, and insight while holding the team accountable for the attainment of operational goals
• Encourage innovation across all levels of the organization
• Provide visible leadership both inside the station and in the community. Develop strong relationships with key clients and other business partners
• Provide training and development opportunities to team members
• Responsible for all aspects of financial statements and ensuring station compliance. Responsible for station operating and capital expense budgets
• Enforce all FCC, EEO, SOX, and any other appropriate rules and regulations
• Understand and adhere to company policies, and at all times adhere to the highest ethical standards
• Perform other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 10+ years of media experience, including experience as a GM, DOS, or ND or CSD.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Equivalent work experience may suffice
• Strong understanding of the industry and its future
• Great communication skills -- written, presentation, oral, and people skills
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities to meet tight deadlines, able to adapt to changing deadlines while presenting a calming and confident presence
• Strategic/analytical thinker and influencer
• Leadership skills and abilities such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution
• Able to build teams and high performers
• Ability and willingness to become a community leader
• Familiarity with employment law compliance at an operational level
• Adapt to changing business needs, at times with little/no notice, and lead others through change
• Identify, hire, and retain talent
• Computer proficiency, including business software such as MS Suite and Enterprise/SAP-type
• Must have or be able to attain a valid driver's license. Driving record should not have any major convictions, no more than one minor conviction, or at-fault accident in the past 3 years.

WLIO-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.