Jerry Walsh Named Nexstar Local Content VP

Nexstar Media Group is continuing its growing emphasis on local news with two appointments today.

Jerry Walsh has been promoted to the new position of VP of local content development, responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s strategic local content and viewer engagement initiatives for its broadcast and digital operations in 100 markets across the United States. Since 2011, Walsh has been the Nexstar’s director of local content development.

The appointment is effective immediately and Walsh will continue to report to Blake Russell, SVP, station operations and content development of Nexstar Media.

Also, Chris Berg, who most recently was director of content development-West at Nexstar, has been promoted to senior director of local content development.  He will report to Walsh.

According to Nexstar, the two promotions reflect its “expanding scale and strategy to appoint proven broadcast and digital media leaders to oversee the development of its innovative multi-platform local news and community-focused content on a regional basis, while enhancing its commitment to serve viewers, clients and advertising partners.”

In his new role, Jerry Walsh will work across the Nexstar organization and with other personnel to advance the company’s local programming and content strategies; refine production standards and best practices; develop creative collaborations and content partnerships; and establish corporate and regional business objectives across Nexstar’s broadcast, digital and mobile media platforms.

In addition, he will lead a team of three local content development directors responsible for the company’s initiatives on brand development, local content leadership and excellence in viewer and client experience and service. Walsh will also have direct oversight of Nexstar’s recently expanded Washington, D.C., news bureau, leading the direction of the company’s broadcast and digital local content offerings from Capitol Hill.

Walsh brings more than 24 years of experience to his new role, including 10 years with Nexstar, with extensive expertise in local news programming and production, digital and social media integration, content monetization, strategic planning and brand positioning across multiple media platforms. Throughout his career, Walsh’s programming and content initiatives have received numerous accolades including Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Awards.

In his new role, Chris Berg will work across Nexstar’s operations to create “compelling local content that extends across its on-air and digital platforms.” He will also be working across the organization with news directors and the company’s digital media teams to further strengthen Nexstar’s local broadcast news products and brands, web and mobile content concepts, and social media engagement initiatives. Additionally, he will be responsible for creating and executing local content strategies aimed at increasing local viewership to further enhance the experience for viewers and advertisers.

Berg brings a 28-year career of accomplishments to his new role including the creation of high profile local content including news, lifestyle and sports programming in his most recent role as director of content development-West which he held since 2014.

Prior to that position, Berg was the assistant news director of WFAA Dallas and previously was news director of KSTP Minneapolis and KOB-KASA Albuquerque, N.M.