Dec. 31, 2019 will mark an important day for the EVP and COO of Sinclair Broadcast Group.
That’s when industry veteran Steve Marks will fully be able to enjoy the Tampa Bay lifestyle, as he is retiring.
News of Marks’ career wind-down came late Monday as Sinclair confirmed that, on Jan. 1, 2020, Chief Revenue Officer Rob Weisbord will take the title of President of the company’s Local News and Marketing Services division.
Speaking of the promotion of Weisbord, Sinclair President/CEO Chris Ripley said, “With the growth and diversification of Sinclair and addition of the Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), we found it necessary to add more divisional day-to-day oversight and leadership so that I can focus on long term growth and technology strategies. One need not look further than the over-achievement of our core business and digital properties to understand why Rob was chosen to lead our broadcast business. He has been instrumental in restructuring our sales force to reflect the realities of today’s integrated marketing approaches, he led the team that created our industry-leading digital properties, and has been integral on content and multi-platform distribution strategies. We are excited to promote Rob into this position and look forward to his ability to lead us and keep us at the forefront of market changes.”
Marks has been with Sinclair since 1986 and in the COO role for 16 years.
Ripley said, “Steve has been instrumental in leading us from a couple of television stations to be a leading TV broadcaster today. A consummate and respected broadcast leader who understands all facets of the business, we wish Steve much happiness in this next stage of his life.”
For the soon-to-be former CRO, Weisbord said, “I am thrilled to lead such a forward-thinking team. The video distribution and marketing services platforms are evolving quickly, and we are up to the challenge to ensure we stay at the forefront and a leader.”
Weisbord had been Sinclair’s Chief Revenue Officer, responsible for developing, executing and leading sales and revenue growth strategies and initiatives for Broadcasting, Digital, Advanced Revenue and all Networks sales, since December 2017.
Weisbord also oversees Sinclair’s Digital Group, and has served as Chief Operating Officer of the group since January 2014.
He was responsible for all web/mobile app/social media creation, interaction of the unit with news and television station platforms, revenue generation, and exploring strategic partnerships and potential related acquisitions.
Before that, Weisbord served as Vice President of New Media and, from 2008 to June 2010, as Director of Digital Interactive Marketing for Sinclair.
Weisbord’s resume includes roles as NSM, from 1993-1997, of WTVT-TV in Tampa.
Weisbord began his broadcasting career in the radio industry with Family
Group Broadcasting, in 1985.
