Tegna names Tim Thomas general manager of Atlanta and Macon stations

Tegna has appointed Tim Thomas to oversee WXIA and WATL in Atlanta, Georgia, and WMAZ in Macon, Georgia, bringing the longtime broadcast executive back to a station group where he previously held an operations leadership role.

Thomas, who currently serves as president and general manager of Tegna’s Florida operations, succeeds Kristie Gonzales as president and general manager of the three Georgia stations.

Gonzales is moving into a new position as vice president of ad sales, overseeing sales teams across Tegna’s northeast and southeast regions.

In his new role, Thomas will lead station operations across broadcast and digital platforms, with responsibility for audience development, advertising performance and business operations.

The appointment marks a return to WXIA and WATL for Thomas, who previously served as station operations manager for the Atlanta stations.

“I was at WXIA earlier in my career, and I’m excited to return to continue the station’s success across platforms,” Thomas said. “I’m looking forward to working with the teams in Atlanta and Macon to create meaningful content and to develop new opportunities that will increase our impact for viewers and advertisers.”

Thomas brings more than 20 years of experience in television management, including leadership positions involving local broadcasting, digital programming and revenue development.

As president and general manager of Tegna Florida, he has overseen the company’s operations in Tampa-St. Petersburg and Jacksonville, Florida, directing a regional strategy involving audience growth, streaming, advertising revenue and operational performance.

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Before taking the Florida position, Thomas led Tegna’s West Texas stations, including KWES in Midland-Odessa, Texas, KXVA in Abilene, Texas, and KIDY in San Angelo, Texas.

During his tenure, the stations increased their broadcast market share, according to Tegna. KWES also received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in 2022.

Thomas previously worked at WXIA and WATL in Atlanta, where he managed local television and digital programming operations and helped develop new business initiatives.

“Tim is a visionary leader who blends operational excellence with clear insight into what drives our future growth and success,” said Joan Barrett, Tegna group general manager for the northeast and southeast regions, in a statement.

“We are confident he will bring that same passion, energy, and proven track record to the Atlanta and Macon markets.”