Investor Relations

Hartel brings more than 30 years of experience leading station operations across major U.S. media markets

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TEGNA (NASDAQ: NXST) today named accomplished television executive Mellynda Hartel president and general manager of its three Florida stations, WTLV and WJXX, the NBC and ABC affiliates in Jacksonville known as First Coast News, and WTSP, the company’s CBS affiliate in Tampa.

Hartel brings more than 30 years of experience leading television business operations, driving revenue strategy, and building high-performing teams across several major U.S. media markets. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and general manager of FOX television stations KTVU and KICU in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Mellynda is a highly respected leader in our industry, known for her strategic vision, ability to develop strong teams and track record of driving growth and innovation,” said Joan Barrett, group general manager for TEGNA’s Northeast and Southeast regions. “She brings a combination of experience, creativity and a passion for local media that will help us strengthen our connection with Florida communities, grow audiences and create new opportunities for our advertising partners.”

Hartel’s distinguished television career includes executive and sales leadership positions in San Francisco, Phoenix, Boston, and Washington, D.C. She has built her career around driving organizational performance, fostering strong relationships, and navigating the evolving broadcast media industry.

“First Coast News and WTSP are among TEGNA’s strongest stations, with newsrooms that have earned the trust of their communities,” said Hartel. “I’m eager to help them build on that legacy by creating new opportunities for our viewers to access trusted content and new solutions for our business partners.”

Hartel holds a BA in Business Communications from Bryant University and resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

About TEGNA 

TEGNA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), operating independently of Nexstar consistent with the Hold Separate Order issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on April 17, 2026. TEGNA is a multiplatform media company operating 64 local television stations in 51 U.S. markets, and hundreds of websites, mobile and Connected TV (CTV) apps, and Premion, a leading Connected TV and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising platform.

For media inquiries, contact: 
Danielle Ingram
Specialist, Corporate Communications
703-873-6440
dingram1@tegna.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9515b142-babf-4328-a52b-6b8f11d51ff5

Mellynda Hartel

 

Mellynda Hartel has been named president and general manager of TEGNA's Florida stations WTLV and WJXX (First Coast News) in Jacksonville, and WTSP in Tampa.