Cox Media Group Names Michelle Harper as VP of Sales

Cox Media Group (CMG) has named media veteran Michelle Harper as its new VP of Sales, effective Sept. 21. She succeeds Paul Curran, who was named VP and General Manager for Orlando’s WFTV earlier this summer.   In this role, Harper, who was previously General Sales Manager (GSM) for WSOC-TV in Charlotte, and her team will work with all CMG newspaper, radio and TV brands to develop and execute strategic sales programs and training.   “Michelle has a tremendous sales and marketing track record and will be a great asset to our operating and sales leaders in the field across all platforms,” said CMG Executive VP of Television Jane Williams.  “Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and years of sales experience. This is another great example of how CMG is able to tap proven internal talent to fill critical leadership roles.”   Harper joined CMG as the GSM for WAXN-TV in Charlotte on March 21, 2011 and led the TV64 sales team to new heights in both revenue development and revenue share growth.   She began her media career at WTVD-TV in news, at the ABC owned and operated affiliate in the Raleigh-Durham market in 1985. She discovered her passion for broadcast sales and started her TV sales career in Charlotte, NC in 1989. Harper was a local Account Executive at WJZY and then joined WSOC-TV in the same capacity from 1993-1995 before moving to the national side of sales working at Seltel in Atlanta.   “It is such an exciting time in our industry as collaboration becomes more vital to driving results for our customers,” said Harper. “I feel so fortunate to be with a company and in a role that will allow me to continue to help develop strategies and provide innovative solutions.”   Harper’s other career highlights include working in Greensboro at WXLV/WUPN the ABC/UPN affiliate, WTWB, the WB affiliate in Greensboro, NC and the ABC-owned WTVD-TV.   Harper is a 1985 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Radio, TV and Motion Pictures.