Paul McTear (born 1948) has built a reputation as a savvy operator with a knack for seeing the next big thing, whether it was cellphones, a food channel and cable news decades back, extending a station’s reach through digital channels, or building a station because the needs of the market are not being fully met. It is said of him, “Paul knows how to make a business deal work and when he walks away from the table both sides are happy”.

Paul McTear joined Raycom Media in February 1997 as Chief Financial Officer with responsibilities including traditional financial oversight plus operating responsibilities for Raycom Sports. In July of 2001, Paul was promoted to the position of President/Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of CEO John Hayes. The company has grown to the largest privately owned TV broadcast company in the US, now owning and/or operating 42 television stations in 18 states and covering more than 10.6% of U.S. television households. Raycom stations are the news leaders in the majority of their markets.

Paul was previously at the Providence Journal Company for 20 years where he was Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development. While there, he was instrumental in the launch of two cable programming networks, Television Food Network and America’s Health Network. In addition, Paul had financial overview of The Providence Journal’s cable, paging and cellular telephone companies.

Paul won the prestigious Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame Award in 2007. He serves on the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors, NBC’s Affiliate Board, and heads a Small Market Coalition formed to keep Small Market Broadcast issues in the forefront. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of Wide Orbit, World Now, MSTV and My Weather. In 2008 he name Alabama Broadcaster of the Year and also inducted into the first class of the Alabama Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Paul received his BS in accounting from Drexel University. He and his wife Denise live in Montgomery, AL. and are the parents of four sons, Shaun, Paul, Kevin and Brendon.