Tribune Press Release

Ed Wilson “Sells Out” as New Tribune Chief Revenue Officer!


Hopes to "Sell Out" Inventory to Help Advertisers Move Products and
Grow Tribune’s Operating Cash Flow

Takes Job At Local Starbucks As First Step


CHICAGO, December 15, 2008 -- Tribune Company today appointed Ed Wilson as chief revenue officer with responsibility for growing the company’s publishing, broadcasting and interactive revenues. He remains president of Tribune Broadcasting, overseeing the company’s 23 television stations, WGN America, and WGN Radio. His appointment is effective immediately.

"In the ten months he’s been here, Ed has rebuilt Tribune Broadcasting and completely changed its culture," said Randy Michaels, Tribune’s chief operating officer. "His eye for talent and his determination have created an environment that rewards innovation and hard work, and delivers results for our advertising customers -- I’m confident he’ll have the same impact across the rest of the company."

Wilson joined Tribune after serving as president of the Fox Television Network from 2004 to 2008. In this position, he was responsible for network sports and entertainment sales, legal standards and practices, and Fox’s 200 affiliated stations.

"We’ve really stepped up our sales efforts this year and we’re seeing solid results, but we’ve got to do even more for our advertisers," said Wilson. "That means developing new products and new, innovative ways of reaching audiences across all our platforms -- internet, broadcasting and print. It means being aggressive and smart."

Known for his ability to work long hours on little sleep, Wilson also will man the night-owl shift at the Starbucks down the street from Tribune Tower. "With this third job, I’ll have access to free coffee," Wilson said, "which means I’ll have the stamina and energy for my two jobs at Tribune -- and I’ll contribute a portion of my Starbucks’ paycheck to the company as a way of kick-starting new-revenue generation."

Prior to working with Fox, Wilson served in executive positions with NBC and CBS. In 2000, he helped found NBC Enterprises and served as its first president. In that capacity he supervised foreign and domestic syndication, merchandising, licensing, music and publishing, as well as domestic and foreign co-productions and co-ventures. Prior to that, Wilson was president and CEO of CBS Enterprises and Entertainment.

In 1994, Wilson founded his own syndication company, MaXaM Entertainment, in partnership with A.H. Belo Corp. The company was sold to CBS in January 1996. His career began in 1980 as a sales trainee for Viacom. Let’s face it, the man’s driven.

Wilson was born and raised in Rison, Ark., and he is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. He is married and has two children.

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