Nexstar Promotes Russell, Vaughn

Nexstar Broadcasting Group of Irving, Texas, promoted Blake Russell as its vice president of marketing and operations. Russell has served as the vice president and general manager of KNWA-TV since Nexstar purchased the station and KFTA-TV in 2004.

Nexstar has since agreed to sell KFTA to Mission Broadcasting of Brecksville, Ohio, but that transaction is awaiting final approval by the FCC. The two companies have a shared services and joint sales agreement, so KNWA management produces KFTA’s 9 p.m. newscast.

Russell will be “working with Nexstar’s 29 general managers, he will be responsible for the conception, execution and implementation of the company’s strategic initiatives and special projects,” a news release stated.

Mike Vaughn, director of sales for Nexstar-owned KARK-TV in Little Rock, will replace Russell as KNWA’s vice president and general manager. Vaughn has previously worked with KNWA.