TEGNA Appoints New Leadership for North Carolina Stations
The move brings Brian Gregory to oversee daily operations and local content strategies for the company's regional hubs.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
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TEGNA has appointed Brian Gregory as president and general manager of its North Carolina stations, WCNC in Charlotte and WFMY in Greensboro. Gregory, who brings nearly 30 years of broadcast experience, succeeds Joan Barrett in the role.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a leadership shift for two major regional news providers as TEGNA continues to manage its portfolio of 64 stations across 51 markets. This change directly influences local programming strategies, advertising sales, and community engagement initiatives in the North Carolina market.
TEGNA oversees 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, with Brian Gregory stepping into his new role following nearly 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry.
The players
Brian Gregory
An experienced broadcast executive with nearly 30 years in the industry who previously led news operations at stations in Denver and other markets.
Joan Barrett
The former president and general manager of WCNC and WFMY who now serves as a group general manager for TEGNA’s Northeast and Southeast regions.
TEGNA
A broadcast media company that operates a portfolio of 64 television stations across 51 U.S. markets and is a subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group.
The details
In his new capacity, Gregory is responsible for the financial performance, operational oversight, and content strategies for both WCNC and WFMY. He will manage digital and streaming initiatives alongside traditional broadcast sales and local community engagement. His predecessor, Joan Barrett, moves to a new position as group general manager overseeing TEGNA operations in the Southeast and Northeast regions.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: TEGNA officially announced the appointment of Brian Gregory.
April 17, 2026: A federal court issued a Hold Separate Order concerning TEGNA and Nexstar.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs under the ongoing oversight of the April 17, 2026 Hold Separate Order regarding TEGNA and Nexstar. The shift highlights how parent companies manage station-level talent and resources while navigating broader regulatory obligations.
Operators in media and local advertising should monitor how Gregory’s management style influences the programming and commercial rates at WCNC and WFMY. Keep an eye on potential changes to digital streaming strategies and local community outreach programs that may impact regional advertising reach.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at major regional broadcast hubs often signal a shift in local content and ad-inventory management strategies. Business owners should track these developments as benchmarks for their own regional media buying and partnership effectiveness.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, see the People section.
Live Poll
Does a change in station leadership change your trust in the local news you receive?
