Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tribune Creates Multimedia Powerhouse in South Florida


Company Joins Broadcast, Interactive and Newspaper Operations
Under One Roof;
Properties Will Collaborate to Generate Unique Content and Sales Opportunities


CHICAGO Mar. 19, 2008 -- Tribune Company today announced that it will join the broadcast and interactive operations of its Miami television station, WSFL-TV (CW39), with those of its Ft. Lauderdale-based newspaper, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, under a single roof to create a media powerhouse serving readers, viewers and advertisers.

Specific benefits of combining TV, newspaper and online operations in South Florida include:

    • South Florida’s leading source for news and information, the Sun-Sentinel,
      will serve as a new and innovative content engine for WSFL’s on-air and online
      programming.
    • More choices and greater market coverage for
      advertisers.
    • Increased efficiency for advertisers, who will have a single
      point of contact for all three properties.
    • Unlimited cross-promotional
      activities.



“This strategy is unprecedented in a major U.S. market,” said Howard Greenberg, Sun-Sentinel president and publisher. “This gives our print, broadcast and interactive operations the opportunity to work together to develop unique content and programming in a variety of areas. Plus, with this combination, there will be no better way for advertisers to reach more people with a consistent message.”

In addition to his duties as publisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, interim publisher of the Orlando Sentinel, and part-time Lake Okeechobee tour boat captain, Greenberg will become general manager of WSFL.

Ed Wilson, president of Tribune Broadcasting said, “This approach makes great sense for consumers and advertisers in South Florida, and keeps Greenberg busy and off the streets.”

Tribune also announced that Allyson Meyers is returning to WSFL as station manager after one year as general manager with WCWJ-TV in Jacksonville. Meyers was general sales manager at WSFL from 2004 to 2007.

“I’m excited about this,” Meyers said. “Having the print and interactive resources of the Sun-Sentinel within arms reach will be a tremendous advantage. And we’ll be a good resource for the newspaper, too—it has to work both ways to maximize the opportunity.”

WSFL will move into existing space at the Sun-Sentinel’s offices in Ft. Lauderdale.

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