Stephens Media Taps New GMs

• Stephens Media Group has named new GMs for two of its clusters: Dan Manella will run the company’s six-station group in Tri-Cities (Richland-Pasco-Kennewick), WA, and Doug Gann will take command of Stephens’ four-station cluster in Alexandria, LA.

Manella (left) was most recently SVP of Cherry Creek Media in Montana. He previously held management positions with Clear Channel, CBS Radio, Citadel, All Pro Broadcasting, Milwaukee Radio Alliance, and New Wave Broadcasting Honolulu. Originally from the Chicago area, Manella began his radio career as a jock at WCIL/Carbondale, IL while he attending Southern Illinois University. “I’m excited to join Stephens Media Group at this time of great growth for the company,” said Manella, adding, “I’m especially happy to return to the state of Washington and work with this market’s outstanding veteran staff at the Tri-Cities leading radio and digital properties.” Summer Kirkland, SVP of Radio and Digital Sales commented, “The creative revenue generation ideas and drive that Dan brings is the perfect combination for accelerated growth in Tri-Cities.”

While new to radio management, Alexandria-based Doug Gann (right) has broadcast high school sports for more than 25 years and hosted the Saturday Night Classic Country Show locally, before moving to college football broadcasts. Gann previously spent 25 years in the auto industry, starting in sales in 1992, and working up to GM. He later joined the Mayor’s office and became the Downtown Development Director and Special Events Director for the City of Pineville, LA. Interestingly, part of his job included rebuilding the very same Main Street that Stephens Media Group now calls home in the Alexandria market.

Gann remarked, “When the opportunity to join Stephens Media arose, I was honored by the opportunity to help grow a company and family that is deeply rooted in their faith. I rely on my faith in God and my love for this community to champion my passion for rebuilding Central Louisiana with my vision to Rebuild the Community Through the Community.” Summer Kirkland said, “With his focus on building relationships and customer-orientated mindset, I’m excited to see the impact that Doug will make in our Alexandria market.”