Tribune Names Nils Larsen Broadcasting CEO

Tribune Company today announced that Nils Larsen has been appointed as chief executive officer of its broadcasting division, and that the position previously held by Jerry Kersting has been eliminated.

Effective immediately, Larsen assumes responsibility for the company’s 23 television stations, its national cable network, WGN America and WGN Radio.

“Tribune’s broadcasting group has gotten off to a strong start this year—a result of having great assets in the biggest markets in the country, a rapidly growing cable network, and talented and innovative employees,” said Eddy Hartenstein, Tribune CEO.  “Nils is the right person to lead our broadcasting operations; he’s thoughtful, creative, and has the vision necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the group.”

Larsen has served as chairman of Tribune Broadcasting since October, 2010, and he continues to serve as chief investment officer of Tribune Co.  He joined the company in 2008.

“Our broadcasting operations are led by gifted people, who know their customers and local communities very well,” said Larsen. “We’ve been expanding local news, developing new original programming and making smart decisions with our syndicated programming, which is driving ratings and resonating with advertisers.  We have momentum and there’s a lot more opportunity ahead.”