Sinclair Sets Circa Debut, Hires CCO

Sinclair Broadcast Group today announced the launch of Circa, an independent digital news site “aimed at the new generation,” and hired John Solomon as chief creative officer.

Solomon, who most recently was VP for content and business development for The Washington Times, started his career at the age of 20 as a reporter for The Associated Press and two years later became the wire service’s youngest news editor, according to Sinclair

“As the largest producer of local news content in the country, our mission is to build on the legitimate news enterprise we have created, evolve how we connect with consumers and address changing news consumption habits,” said David Smith, Sinclair president-CEO. “John, an award-winning journalist with an extensive history in news reporting, editorial and management positions, is the most qualified to lead this initiative, and we are thrilled to have his vote of confidence in our strategy by overseeing the venture.”

Circa, expected to re-launch in the spring of 2016, will remain an independent organization, funded by Sinclair and other potential investors. Its foundation will be built upon the intellectual property and technology of Circa News, the assets of which Sinclair acquired in August for $800,000. Circa News was a well-known online site admired for its ability to break down news stories to core, easy-to-follow components. In business for three years, Circa News reached 300,000 unique mobile users at its peak.

“We decided to purchase the Circa brand and reader-friendly, patented technology, rather than take years to build ourselves,” stated Rob Weisbord, VP-COO of Sinclair’s Digital Group. “The Circa app will be re-designed, re-imagined and re-launched as one of the most innovative news gathering, reporting and audience-building digital platforms.”