Nexstar appoints new VP and GM for Chicago operations

IRVING, Texas - Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:NXST), a media company currently trading at $149.75 with a market capitalization of $4.66 billion, has announced Ric Harris as the new Vice President and General Manager for its Chicago broadcast and digital outlets, including WGN-TV, WGN-TV+, and wgntv.com. Harris, with over 25 years of experience in broadcast management, will take over the roles effective immediately, following the retirement of his predecessor, Paul Rennie. According to InvestingPro, the company maintains strong financial health with a GOOD overall rating.

Harris, who previously led WCAU-TV (NBC 10), Telemundo62, and NBC Sports Philadelphia, is recognized for his ability to increase ratings, revenue, and profitability. His career spans various leadership roles across the country, contributing to his reputation as a strategic thinker with a strong connection to local communities.

Brandin Stewart, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Nexstar’s broadcasting division, expressed confidence in Harris’s capabilities, citing his consistent success and deep engagement with viewers and clients. Harris’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage WGN-TV’s strong local news presence and quality CW programming, including sports and original entertainment.

In addition to his professional achievements, Harris is actively involved in community and industry organizations. He has held positions such as Chairman of Television for the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters and President of the Philly Ad Club. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and English from John Carroll University and a Master’s degree in Communications Management.

Nexstar Media Group, a leading diversified media company, owns the largest local television broadcasting group in the U.S. and a variety of national television and digital properties. This appointment is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team and enhance its operations across its vast media network.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

In other recent news, Nexstar Media Group has seen significant developments. The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, marking the twelfth consecutive year of dividend growth. This increase, to $1.86 per share, is applicable from the first quarter of 2025. Nexstar’s approach to enhancing shareholder value includes not only dividend growth but also share repurchases, debt reduction, and potential mergers and acquisitions for growth.

In addition to financial advancements, Nexstar also renewed its NBC Television Network affiliations for 33 stations across the United States. This multi-year agreement ensures NBC content continues to reach over 14 million U.S. television households. While the financial details of the affiliation renewal were not disclosed, the agreement emphasizes the ongoing value of network-affiliate partnerships in the broadcasting industry. These are recent developments that highlight Nexstar’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders and viewers alike.

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