Pahigian Leaving Hearst; Joerres Steps Up

• After eight years as President & GM of Hearst Television’s WBAL NewsRadio 1090/101.5 & WIYY (98 Rock)/Baltimore, Cary L. Pahigian has decided to step away to explore several new professional opportunities, effective March 31.

Pahigian’s current duties will be absorbed by Dan Joerres, a 24-year Hearst veteran who since 2011 has served as Pres./GM of WBAL-TV, and, since 2014, as Pahigian’s close partner and collaborator on numerous joint Radio-TV initiatives, including Baltimore Ravens football. Joerres will now oversee all of Hearst’s Baltimore radio and TV operations and their associated digital properties.

“When Cary joined us eight years ago, he brought a wealth of experience at many of the nation’s most honored radio stations,” said Jordan Wertlieb, President of Hearst Television. “His passionate advocacy for local broadcasting and his strong appreciation for broadcasters’ important community service role were hallmarks of his spectacular success in managing WBAL Radio and 98 Rock to even greater heights. We wish him great success in his well-deserved next chapter.”

Pahigian joined Hearst Television in June 2014 after a 15-year stint with Saga Communications as President/GM of the company’s nine-station radio group in Portland, ME. Pahigian began his lengthy career at WCCM-AM/Lawrence, MA. Obviously a quick study, he was named Station Manager of WBZ/Boston at the tender age of 26. Three years later Pahigian joined Sconnix Broadcasting as Corporate VP of Operations. His other notable stops include a stint as VP/GM of Boch Broadcasting on Cape Cod and OM/PD of WIP/Philadelphia.

Pahigian remarked, “I joined WBAL and 98 Rock because of the exceptional leadership team and extraordinary culture at Hearst Television. And my longtime teammate and friend Dan Joerres epitomizes that level of managerial acumen. I know he will lead the outstanding teams throughout WBAL-TV, WBAL NewsRadio and 98 Rock to even greater achievements. While I plan more adventures for my ongoing career, I leave Hearst with my gratitude for their support and providing me the opportunity of a lifetime.”