On Tuesday Cox Media Group Atlanta Radio named Jaleigh Long as its new Director of Sales. CMG has five stations in Atlanta (News 95.5 AM 750 WSB, B98.5 FM, 97.1 FM The River, KISS 104.1 FM, and Your Georgia Country 106.1/107.1). She replaces Walt Phillips who is now the Executive Director of Healthcare for CMG.
Long joined CMG Atlanta Radio in 2014 as GSM. Previously, she was with South Central Media in Evansville for seven years as GSM. She started her media career in Indianapolis as an Account Executive for Susquehanna Radio.
CMG Atlanta VP Donna Hall said of Long, “I’m thrilled to have such outstanding talent inside Cox Media Group to promote into this critical role. Jaleigh brings deep knowledge of both radio and digital, fearless leadership, infectious energy, and an unshakeable belief in radio. She is the right person at the right time to lead our sales organization.”
Long said she joined Cox Media Group because she wanted to be a part of a progressive company that values top talent and innovation for the industry. “Today, I know CMG is that company, and I couldn’t be more confident in our management team to drive us and our sales team to deliver success. I am honored to lead this great sales organization.”
We reached out to Long Tuesday to get more detail on why she enjoys selling radio and how she became successful at it.
Radio Ink: Why did you choose radio and radio sales as a career?
Jaleigh Long: I chose Broadcast Journalism as a major my Freshman year at the University of Southern Indiana. I worked hard. My Senior year I had three jobs in media. I was Assistant News Director for the college radio station, I hosted the weekly college lifestyle TV show and I interned at the local heritage radio station, WIKY as a reporter. My last semester I took a Media Sales class. My enthusiasm for the industry only strengthened. I loved the critical thinking, being creative, and presenting with passion; I was hooked.
Radio Ink: Did you have mentors along the way that helped your career? If so, who and how did they help you?
Jaleigh Long: I am fortunate that I have always worked for privately held companies with outstanding leadership and reputation. I got my start with the widely admired Susquehanna Radio in Indianapolis as and AE. Then, moved into a GSM role with the highly respected South Central Media Group. I was recruited three years ago to become a GSM for Cox Media Group at the storied WSB property. Now, as I am becoming Director of Sales, I reflect back and cannot feel anything but honored to have connected with the best in the media industry over the course of my career. Collectively, they challenged me and taught me to become the leader I always wanted to be.
Radio Ink: How do you spot strong salespeople? What are they made of?
Jaleigh Long: The top talent can solve a problem better than anyone in the room. They are disciplined and keep projects moving forward. They prefer to prep and educate themselves to work on offense and stay connected to their clients as their ultimate resource. They are someone that you want to partner with and learn from when challenges arise. Top talent will adjust the plan at the right time to win.
Radio Ink: What is the key to managing successful, driven salespeople, some of who may also have big egos into one cohesive team?
Jaleigh Long: The key is to encourage the most successful and talented salespeople to be themselves and let them own their craft. Surround top talent with the best leadership, resources and teammates. While the most sought after salespeople control the strategy for their clients the days of doing the job alone are long gone. The entire organization must unite and deliver client results.
Radio Ink: Why do you enjoy selling radio?
Jaleigh Long: This is an industry that requires grit and constant adaptation. We work hard to earn our clients’ business and even harder growing their business. Our success is measured by the collective success of our clients and in my opinion this is the ultimate challenge. I look forward to meeting that challenge every day.
Reach out to congratulate Jaleigh at [email protected]
