Cox Media Group Taps Pittsburgh GM to Oversee Two Stations

Kevin Hayes will now serve as Regional VP and GM for WPXI in Pittsburgh and WHIO in Dayton, Ohio.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist studio photograph featuring a polished metal desk nameplate with the words 'Regional VP & GM' engraved on it, placed on a clean white background and surrounded by a few other premium office objects like a pen, a notebook, and a small potted plant, conceptually representing the shift towards shared leadership in the TV industry.As TV station groups consolidate leadership roles, the traditional 'local' general manager model is fading, raising questions about community connections.Today in Dayton

Cox Media Group has announced that Kevin Hayes, the current VP and General Manager of WPXI in Pittsburgh, will now take on the additional role of overseeing WHIO in Dayton, Ohio. Hayes will serve as the Regional Vice President and General Manager for both markets, splitting his time between the two cities.

Why it matters

This move is the latest example of the industry-wide trend of TV station consolidation, where companies are combining general manager roles across multiple markets to save costs. It raises questions about how 'local' a station can feel when the top executive is not physically present for a significant portion of the week.

The details

Effective immediately, Hayes will take on the expanded role, replacing Darren Moore who recently left the Dayton GM position to become CMG's chief sales officer and GM in Orlando. CMG CEO Dan York framed the move as a 'reward' for Hayes' 'strong performance' in Pittsburgh, but it's widely seen as a cost-saving measure that will have Hayes splitting his time between the two cities and spending plenty of hours on the Pennsylvania and Ohio Turnpikes.

  • Effective immediately, Hayes takes on the expanded role overseeing both WPXI and WHIO.
  • Darren Moore recently left the Dayton GM position to become CMG's chief sales officer and GM in Orlando.

The players

Kevin Hayes

The current VP and General Manager of WPXI in Pittsburgh, who will now serve as the Regional Vice President and General Manager overseeing both WPXI and WHIO in Dayton, Ohio.

Darren Moore

The former General Manager of WHIO in Dayton, Ohio, who recently moved up the corporate ladder to become CMG's chief sales officer and GM in Orlando.

Dan York

The CEO of Cox Media Group, who says Hayes is the right choice to keep the momentum going at WHIO.

Cox Media Group

The media company that owns WPXI in Pittsburgh and WHIO in Dayton, and is consolidating the general manager roles across the two stations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Hayes says he is honored and excited to work with both teams, but for the staff in Dayton and Pittsburgh, it just means they'll be seeing half as much of their leader while the bean counters celebrate the efficiency.”

— Kevin Hayes, Regional VP and GM

The takeaway

This move by Cox Media Group is the latest example of the industry-wide trend of TV station consolidation, where companies are combining general manager roles across multiple markets to save costs. It raises concerns about how 'local' a station can feel when the top executive is not physically present for a significant portion of the week, and whether this model of shared leadership can maintain strong community connections.