In an effort to focus on larger markets, Cox Media Group has agreed to sell five stations in small markets to Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Sinclair will acquire KFOX in El Paso, WJAC in Johnstown, Pa., WTOV in Steubenville, Ohio, and KRXI-KAME in Reno. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“All of these media locations are valued brands with talented professionals who are committed to their audiences, advertisers and communities,” Cox Media president Doug Franklin said in a statement.  “We wish all of the employees well and know they will continue to work hard to produce quality entertainment, news and information for their customers and new owners.”

In an effort to focus on larger markets, Cox Media Group has announced that it is selling four of the stations it currently owns and buying four stations from Newport Television.

The stations being sold are KFOX in El Paso, WJAC in Johnstown, PA, KRXI in Reno and WTOV in Stubenville, OH.

The stations Cox is buying from Newport Television are WAWS and WTEV in Jacksonville and KOKI and KMYT in Tulsa.

“This simplified structure will enable CMG to capitalize on continued growth and synergies, while retaining its size financially,” president Doug Franklin said in a statement.  Read more

Cox Media Group announced today that Rob Rohr has been appointed general manager of the company’s Ohio group, which includes Dayton CBS-affiliate WHIO.

Rohr previously served as senior vice president of sales for Cox Media Group Ohio, which includes print, web, and radio properties across the state in addition to WHIO.  He assumes the responsibilities previously held by Brian Cooper, who served as senior vice president of CMG Ohio before recently transferring to CMG-owned Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“I’m delighted to be able to appoint Rob to this role,” said Julia Wallace, market vice president for Cox Media Group Ohio.  “He has molded a highly successful sales team that understands our various markets.  His smart strategic thinking will be an asset now to even more of the organization.” Read more

Ken Tyndall, who spent 14 years as an anchor and reporter for WFTV, is returning to the Orlando ABC-affiliate.

“I am working one day a week at Channel 9 in addition to my regular reporting duties at WDBO,” Tyndall told the Orlando Sentinel.  “Both stations are part of the Cox Media Group.  It’s the best of both worlds for me, reporting for radio and TV!  It’s great to be able to work with so many old friends at Channel 9.”

Tyndall left WFTV in 1996 and currently works full-time as a reporter-anchor for Orlando news radio station WDBO. Read more

Calling all newshounds! Cox Media Group is looking for an aggressive senior producer for its Washington, D.C. bureau to manage day-to-day operations of the newsroom.

In this role, you’ll be tasked with making editorial decisions, handling script approvals and working closely with the bureau chief on staffing and special projects. You’ll run the assignment desk and work closely with reporters on story planning and research, while also contributing content for TV, radio and newspapers. Read more

Cox Media Group, which owns 15 stations in 11 markets, announced this week that Bill Hoffman will be the company’s next executive vice president. Hoffman previously served as president and general manager of CMG’s WSB.

“Bill is a broadcast industry veteran, whose proven leadership abilities will help CMG continue to perform at the top of its game,” said CMG president Doug Franklin in announcing the move.  “He is well respected in many industry circles, and I’m delighted that we can tap into his talents to drive our future success.”

With Hoffman joining the corporate office, CMG has appointed Tim McVay as his successor at WSB. McVay previously served as vice president and general manager of CMG’s KTVU in Oakland. CMG has yet to name McVay’s replacement at KTVU.

“Tim has a great track record of leadership, and he understands, as much as anyone, how we do things at Cox,” said CMG executive vice president Alex Taylor, who McVay will report to. “This is a good day for WSB.”