Longtime communications executive Mike Nelson is leaving his post as SVP Communications for CBS News, Stations and Media Ventures.
Nelson, beloved among trade journalists, has held his current title since January. He joined CBS L.A. in 2002 after spending seven years at NBC, where he served as its chief ratings guru.
“Every comms leader should have the gift of a Mike Nelson on their team,” said Chris Ender, EVP, Head of Communications for CBS. “He led his area with distinction and accomplishment while serving as a valued communications guide as Wendy (McMahon) ushered in important change for our local television stations. At the same time, Mike relished in serving as a utility player across all parts of CBS, sharing his considerable media and writing skills wherever they were needed. The only thing we ever questioned about Mike was who he loved more … CBS or his home-state Green Bay Packers.”
After working for seven years an assistant director of media relations for the Golden State Warriors, Nelson entered the TV biz in 1995 by joining the publicity team for NBC Entertainment. There, he worked during the peak of the “Must See TV” era.
In 2002, he joined KCBS as the station’s spokesperson. He continued up the corporate ladder for the CBS stations before assuming his current role.
And, lest anyone forget his most festive contribution, in 2004 he became the father of the KCAL Yule Log that airs at Christmas time. As he likes to say, “Our hunk-a, hunk-a burning wood roasted the competition and won its time period.”
“I’m forever grateful to the late, great CBS Communications chief Gil Schwartz, and his brilliant lieutenants Dana McClintock and Chris Ender for welcoming me to the Eye family in July 2002,” Nelson said in a letter to colleagues. “They initially had me represent the biggest local TV duopoly in the country: CBS West Coast flagship KCBS and the company’s newest acquisition, KCAL, home of the Lakers and other sports teams, and the first three-hour, primetime local newscast in the country. For someone like me who loved local news and had previously worked in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors, it was a great opportunity.”
