With the merger of Christian operators Hope Media Group and WAY Media closing, the newly combined Hope Media Group has revealed its leadership team.
The new entity will be based in Houston with the previously announced Joe Paulo from Hope Media Group serving as President/CEO of the merged entity and WAY Media’s Interim CEO Tim Dukes serving as Chief Operating Officer. Hope’s Desiree Gonzalez takes the Chief Financial officer role. WAY Media VP/Brand & Content moves to the Chief of Programming title. WAY’s VP/Operations Jim Marshall becomes Chief of Media Operations. Former Hope Media Group COO Elaine Welcome will be Chief of Administration for the company and General Manager in Houston. Hope Senior Director of Content Shawn Farrington is named Chief of Innovation. Paul Martin remains Chief of Development.
Leadership from Hope Media Group, home to one of Houston’s top radio stations KSBJ, and WAY Media have announced the official close of their merger into a single media organization, headquartered in Houston. This merger combines the rich heritage of two like-minded organizations, who together engage an audience of more than 4 million individuals worldwide with positive multimedia content over radio and online mediums.
The merger received a unanimous vote in January from each organization’s board of directors. Now operating as Hope Media Group, KSBJ and the WayFM network will continue to serve their respective audiences under the existing brand names. It was a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction.
“We’re thrilled to officially join forces with Way Media to expand our combined impact,” said Joe Paulo, President/CEO of the merged entity. “This merger is much more than a business matter. Aligning our efforts is a positive shift within Christian media to create and share uplifting content that encourages and inspires audiences across the country. We could not be more excited for this next chapter as our media brands continue to be a beacon of Hope for all.”
WAY Media’s former interim CEO Tim Dukes serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Hope Media Group. “Our vision is to integrate the best of both ministries to enhance our impact for the cause of Christ,” said Dukes. “As we advance God’s kingdom together as Hope Media Group, we look forward to continuing to serve our existing audiences with excellence.”
“The newly merged entity combines leadership from both organizations creating an ideal team eager for the challenge to impact a much broader group of listeners,” concluded Paulo. Key priorities include programming, development, media operations and innovation. The senior leadership team will consist of:
- Joe Paulo, President & CEO
- Tim Dukes, Chief Operating Officer
- Desiree Gonzalez, Chief Financial Officer
- Ron Harrell, Chief of Programming
- Jim Marshall, Chief of Media Operations
- Elaine Welcome, Chief of Administration/General Manager – Houston
- Shawn Farrington, Chief of Innovation
- Paul Martin, Chief of Development
The newly merged Hope Media Group brings together two organizations with a combined 75 years of ministry and media experience, beginning in 1982 with KSBJ/Houston and 1987 with WAYJ/Fort Myers. To learn more, visit www.hopemediagroup.com/merger.
