Gray Media Names Kristy Santiago as General Manager of KFVS in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Rhea-AI Summary
Gray Media (NYSE: GTN) named Kristy Santiago as General Manager of KFVS (CBS/CW) in Cape Girardeau, MO and WQWQ-LD (Telemundo) in Paducah, KY, effective January 7, 2026.
Santiago brings decades of television management and sales experience, having most recently served as General Manager of KION (CBS), KMUV (Telemundo) and KCBA (CW) in Monterey, CA, with prior leadership roles in Grand Junction, CO and Palm Springs, CA. She has led multiple network affiliation launches and served on boards including the California Broadcasters Association, Girls Inc., and Goodwill Central Coast.
Gray Media is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta that owns local TV stations and digital assets across 113 markets, reaching about 37% of US TV households, and operates the largest Telemundo affiliate group with 44 markets.
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News Market Reaction 13 Alerts
On the day this news was published, GTN declined 7.95%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -2.9% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 13 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $40M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $460M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Pre-news, GTN was down 2.65% with below-average volume. Broadcasting peers were mixed: SBGI -0.98%, FUBO -1.57%, SSP -3%, while IHRT gained 1.23%. With no peers in the momentum scanner and no same-day peer headlines, the move appears more stock-specific than part of a coordinated sector swing.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 23 | Affiliation renewal | Positive | +1.6% | Renewed multi-year NBC affiliations across 54 Gray-owned stations. |
| Dec 18 | IR leadership change | Positive | -1.2% | Hired experienced Wall Street analyst to lead investor relations. |
| Dec 16 | Station acquisition | Positive | +1.6% | Agreed to acquire WBBJ 7, expanding portfolio near existing markets. |
| Dec 12 | Debt offering | Negative | -3.8% | Issued $250M of additional 9.625% notes to refinance higher-cost debt. |
| Dec 11 | Content initiative | Positive | +5.1% | Launched nationwide “We the People” storytelling project through July 4, 2026. |
Recent GTN news has generally seen stock moves align with the positive or negative tone, with only one notable divergence on an investor-relations hire.
Over the last few months, Gray Media has focused on strengthening its network relationships, capital structure, and portfolio. A multi-year NBC affiliation renewal across 54 markets and the “We the People” initiative reinforced its content and audience reach of about 37% of U.S. TV households in 113 markets. At the same time, Gray executed debt refinancings, including $250 million of additional 9.625% notes due 2032, and pursued acquisitions like WBBJ 7 in Jackson, Tennessee. Today’s local leadership appointment at KFVS/WQWQ fits within this pattern of operational and portfolio-focused updates.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved -8.0% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite a routine leadership announcement would fit prior instances where corporate updates did not prevent downside moves, such as around debt offerings. This news focuses on operational management at KFVS and WQWQ-LD within a portfolio spanning 113 markets and reaching about 37% of U.S. TV households. Past refinancing steps and existing leverage could continue to frame risk perceptions, so weakness after benign news might reflect broader balance-sheet or sector concerns rather than this specific appointment.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
ATLANTA, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Media, Inc. has named Kristy Santiago as the next General Manager of KFVS (CBS and CW) in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and WQWQ-LD (Telemundo) in Paducah, Kentucky.
Kristy brings decades of experience in television station management and sales operations. Throughout her career, she has overseen operations for multiple networks across several markets. She was instrumental in launching a number of Telemundo, CW and FOX affiliations.
Most recently, Kristy served as General Manager of KION (CBS), KMUV (Telemundo), KCBA (CW) in Monterey, CA. She also served in leadership positions in Grand Junction, CO and Palm Springs, CA.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristy has been active in both industry and community organizations. She has served on Boards including the California Broadcasters Association, Girls Inc. and Goodwill Central Coast.
About Gray Media:
Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station during 2024, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray’s additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. For more information, please visit www.graymedia.com.
Contact:
Mike King, SMVP, Chief Marketing Officer, 404-266-8333
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FAQ
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