Tribune Company announced that Jerry Kersting has been named President of its broadcasting division, replacing Ed Wilson, who held the role since 2008. Effective immediately, Kersting assumes responsibility for the strategic vision and day-to-day ops of the company’s 23 television stations, WGN America, and WGN Radio. Kersting has served as Tribune Broadcasting’s COO since 12/09.
“Jerry’s done a great job since becoming COO of our broadcast group,” said Tribune CEO Randy Michaels. “He’s smart, innovative and driven—our stations have been expanding news, adding new programming and building audience. WGN America is stronger than ever. Jerry’s leadership will keep us on the right path and drive even better results.”
Prior to being named COO of Tribune Broadcasting, Kersting served as EVP for Tribune, joining the company in 2008. Kersting has a long history with Michaels. Before joining Tribune, he served as EVP/CFO of Clear Channel Radio from 1999 to 2008. He actually has 34 years of credited service with Clear Channel, where he held various management/executive positions at the company and its related entities, specifically Michaels’ Jacor, Citicasters, Great American Broadcasting and Taft Broadcasting, which through name change or acquisition make up that tenure.
“We’ve established some strong momentum across our broadcasting division, but there is a lot more to do,” said Kersting. “We intend to shake up traditional local television news by doing things differently and giving viewers innovative broadcasts and a clear choice in our markets. Every night, people turn on their local news and see the same thing wherever they flip the channel—we intend to change that.”
