Weigel Makes Key Management Changes

Norman H. Shapiro, president of Weigel Broadcasting Co., on Monday announced three changes to the leadership of the company.

Neal F. Sabin, currently EVP, has been appointed president of content and networks. In this capacity, Sabin will be responsible for all programming for Weigel stations and owned and affiliated networks; the development of local and national multiplatform content; content marketing on all Weigel platforms; the generation of revenue and integration opportunities related to such multiplatforms; and strategic planning and the development of business opportunities for the company. The appointment is effective immediately, and Sabin will report directly toShapiro.

Shapiro also announced that effective on or about June 1, John R. Hendricks will become Weigel Broadcasting Co.’s EVP of sales. In this newly created position, he will be responsible for all sales personnel and sales operations. This includes not only the Weigel stations in Chicago, Milwaukee and South Bend, but also Weigel’s new classic broadcast network, Me-TV. He also will be also be responsible for developing new revenue opportunities and, in concert with Sabin, developing revenue-related strategy for multiplatform, digital and Web opportunities.

Hendricks most recently has been EVP of sales for Tribune Broadcasting Co., where he supervised all sales operations for the Tribune’s televisions stations, Superstation WGN America, WGN Radio and related websites and digital channels. He has also been a SVP of Sales and a VP of sales for Tribune, among other positions.

Shapiro also announced that effective on or about June 1, Robert J. Ramsey will become Weigel’s VP-GM of WCIU Chicago. Together with WCIU and its five multicast streams, his responsibility will include Weigel’s four Chicago low-power stations and operational authority over Weigel’s South Bend, Ind., properties, including its ABC affiliate and news operation.

Ramsey has held general manager positions with the Tribune’s Fox affiliate in Sacramento, Calif., and its CW affiliate in San Diego. Prior to that, he was the station manager for WGN-TV and Superstation WGN in Chicago.