Chris McDonnell Named WPIX VP-GM

Nexstar today promoted Chris McDonnell to vice president and general manager of its New York City operations, overseeing WPIX (CW) and PIX11.com under the terms of a local programming and marketing agreement between Nexstar and WPIX’s owner, Mission Broadcasting. He begins his new duties immediately and reports to Tim Busch, Nexstar Inc.’s Broadcast President.

Since 2017, McDonnell has been VP-GM of KRON, Nexstar’s MNT affiliate in San Francisco.

Before joining KRON, McDonnell was the president-GM of WSNS Chicago, where he previously was VP of sales and marketing. Prior to WSNS,McDonnell held various sales management roles at WMAQ Chicago, KXAS Dallas, and KNSD San Diego.

Tim Busch, Nexstar Inc.’s President of Broadcasting, said: “Chris’ proven leadership experience as a general manager in large metropolitan markets, his innovative approach to developing new local content for viewers and digital users, and his results-driven skillsets, make him the ideal candidate to lead our New York City broadcasting and digital operations and oversee our relationship with Mission Broadcasting.

“During his tenure at KRON-TV, Chris not only revitalized the station’s broadcast and digital operations, community outreach, and content offerings, he demonstrated a deep understanding and natural talent for developing effective cross-platform marketing solutions for advertisers and community partners. His broadcast track record of high performance over 30 years will serve him well in his new leadership role in New York City and within Nexstar. We look forward to celebrating the successes to come under Chris’ leadership working alongside the talented staff at WPIX-TV and PIX11.com.”

McDonnell earned his BA in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He is an active participant in industry-related groups and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the California Broadcasters Association.