For the past four years, he’s served as President/GM of a pair of CBS O&Os in one of America’s top markets.
With those stations now unified with Spongebob Squarepants and the Viacom family under the newly born ViacomCBS, this 35-year pro who began his career as a local AE for WUSA-9 in Washington, D.C., is heading to a region of New York crazy about its football team.
We’re not talking about the Giants or Jets.
Now serving as VP/GM of Nexstar Media Group‘s broadcasting and digital operations in Buffalo is Brien Kennedy.
Kennedy’s move to Elmwood Avenue, just north of popular Hertel Avenue, ends a stint overseeing KYW-3 in Philadelphia and co-owned WPSG-TV, an affiliate of The CW Network.
He’ll still be overseeing a CBS/CW Network combo, as Nexstar’s Western New York properties are comprised of WIVB-4 and “CW23,” WNLO-TV.
Kennedy spent many years at CBS, and from 2010-2015 was VP/GM of WCCO-4 in Minneapolis. Before that, he was EVP at Freedom Communications, which operated CBS affiliate WPEC-12 in West Palm Beach prior to its Q4 2011 sale to Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Kennedy took the role after serving from 2004-2006 as the head of the Viacom Station Group, comprised of two Miami stations and three West Palm properties.
With sales positions at Blair Television and Gannett also on his resume, Kennedy brings 35 years of experience that started as a local AE for Gannett (now TEGNA) CBS affiliate WUSA-9 in Washington, D.C. in 1985 — an era when Gordon Peterson, Maureen Bunyan, and late sportscaster Glenn Brenner commanded top ratings, and dollars, in the Nation’s Capital.
Kennedy reports to Nexstar Broadcasting SVP/Regional Manager Theresa Underwood, who said, “Brien is an exceptional industry leader with expertise in managing distinguished stations in multiple large- and medium-size markets. His depth and breadth of experience and results-oriented, entrepreneurial approach to the business of broadcasting and sales management are necessary skillsets to lead our Buffalo operations. Brien also has a long track record of transforming operations, driving both outstanding revenue results and market share growth. He has a deep understanding of how to develop exclusive local content for our viewers and digital users and effective multi-platform marketing opportunities for our clients. He also has built successful sales teams that have established enduring partnerships with local and national advertisers and sports franchises. We look forward to Brien’s contributions as we continue to enhance the effectiveness and value of our broadcast, digital and mobile services for local viewers and advertisers across Western New York.”
Kennedy noted, “I am excited to be heading to the wonderful city of Buffalo to take on this new opportunity at Nexstar, the nation’s leading local broadcast company. The staff at WIVB-TV, WNLO-TV, and wivb.com is talented, experienced and committed, and we will work together to continue generating results for our clients and enhancing the overall experience for our dedicated viewers and digital users. Nexstar’s strong commitment to superior local content production and service, combined with its scalable diversified marketing solutions will deliver distinct competitive advantages for our clients. After more than 30 years in the industry, Buffalo is where I belong. My wife and I are excited to move to Western New York and immerse ourselves in the local community.”
Buffalo is in the midst of a continuing renaissance, with neighborhoods including Elmwood Village and Allentown bringing revitalization to the city. A Metrorail expansion is in the works. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is one of the finest in North America. And, the Buffalo Bills are returning to the National Football League playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
Bills games primarily air on WIVB-4.
