Gary Baxter

The E.W. Scripps Company has named veteran Scripps local media leader Gary Baxter to the role of General Manager and Director of Sales at WXMI-TV, the Scripps-owned Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Baxter has been with Scripps-owned WSYM in Lansing, Michigan, for 26 years, most recently serving as the Station Manager and Director of Sales. Prior to Lansing, he spent eight years working in local media sales in West Michigan, first at WOOD in Grand Rapids, then WOTV in Battle Creek.

“Joining the Fox 17 team feels like a homecoming,” Baxter said. “I look forward to helping to build on the strong relationships already established in West Michigan and to working alongside such a dedicated team as we further enhance our connection to the community.”

“With nearly 40 years of experience working in television, Gary brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the local broadcast landscape,” said Mike Murri, regional vice president and general manager at The E.W. Scripps Company. “His leadership and commitment to excellence will help drive our mission of serving the Grand Rapids community.”

Baxter previously served as chairman for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  He began his career in television at WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin.

Baxter earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.