Oakes Named OM of Scripps Springfield
• Back in May we reported Tom Oakes had tendered his resignation as VP/GM & Operations Manager of Ohana Media Group’s Anchorage group and was relocating back to the Lower 48. We are pleased to report that Mr. Oakes is now once again gainfully employed — he’s the newly named Operations Manager of Scripps’ Springfield, MO group and PD of heritage Country KTTS, effective August 15. The cluster also includes Adult Hits KRVI (106.7 The River), Top 40 KSPW (Power 96.5) and News-Talk simulcast KSGF-AM & FM.
In making the announcement, Springfield Operations VP/GM Rex Hansen said, “Tom Oakes brings years of experience in all formats we operate here in Springfield. Our listeners, team, and advertisers will benefit greatly from his expertise. His coaching skills will make a difference for our air staff immediately.” Oakes remarked, “I’m excited to be joining the Springfield team. A busy fall lies ahead as we prepare for not only the next ratings sweep, but also to continue to work with our ongoing projects, promotions and programming needs across the entire cluster.”
Since 2015 Oakes had served as VP/GM of Ohana Media Group’s stations in Anchorage, AK. Before that he was VP of Programming for Ohana’s 11 stations in Alaska and Oregon. From 2005-2011 Oakes worked for New Northwest Broadcasters as GM, VP of Programming & OM for their seven markets across Alaska, Montana, Oregon & Washington, and from 1988-2005 Oakes plied his trade in South Bend, IN, Omaha, NE and Madison, WI.
Oakes will succeed former KTTS PD Mark Grantin, who died July 11 after a six-year battle with cancer. The OM post has been vacant for over a year — Valorie Knight left in April 2017 for a similar post across the street at Mid West Family’s group. Oakes added, “I am also very humbled to be asked to step into Mark Grantin’s role and continue the great work he performed so well in leading and keeping KTTS on top of the Springfield market over the years. My deepest thanks to everyone at Scripps for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting started next week!”
