Jones Named Pres./COO of Skyview Networks
• After more than three decades with ABC News, Steve Jones announced his resignation as VP/GM of ABC Radio and his intention to joining Skyview Networks as President and Chief Operating Officer. In a staff memo, Jones said, in part, “This decision was reached after very careful consideration and consultation both with Skyview and ABC News — two organizations I care deeply about. In the end, the opportunity to help lead the growth and expansion at Skyview convinced me to take the position of president and chief operating officer, reporting to CEO and co-founder Ken Thiele. Thankfully, I will still have a working relationship with ABC News Radio since Skyview and ABC News have an agreement through 2026. My last day at ABC News will be Friday, April 5.”
Jones continued, “I will leave the ABC News Radio business in a position of strength as the dominant radio news brand in America. Our digital audio programming has shown continual growth and success. The audio industry respects and admires us because of your incredible talent and dedication to this important work. Your reporting is more necessary and essential to our society than ever before.”
On a personal note, I have been provided with the most extraordinary career for which I cannot be more appreciative. For 31 years, ABC News has been the center of my professional life and a constant presence in my personal life, too. From my initial days in 1986 as a freelance ABC News Radio writer, then moving up to producer and director followed by three years as VP, Programming and Operations of abcnews.com and, finally, leading the very news brand that inspired me as a young man: ABC News Radio.
In closing, Jones said, “I have awakened every day excited for the challenge, grateful for the opportunity and inspired by your passion and intelligence. I have tried to lead with integrity and empathy, even when business required difficult decisions. I leave ABC with great pride in our success and the knowledge that this incredible team will continue our legacy of excellence.”
During this transition period, Jones says, “it will be business as usual for you with the executive team for whom I have much gratitude: Andrew Kalb handling news coverage/digital programming; Abe Velez handling business development; Heidi Oringer handling affiliate relations/sales; Jeff Fitzgerald overseeing operations.”
