Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. Appoints Franco Gentile as Vice President and General Manager of WKRC and WSTR in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI, OH – February 24, 2025 – Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. has officially announced the appointment of Franco Gentile as the new Vice President and General Manager for its television stations WKRC and WSTR in Cincinnati. This strategic move marks a significant step in Sinclair's commitment to enhancing local media leadership and community engagement in the Cincinnati area.
1. A Proven Leader in Broadcasting
Franco Gentile's promotion follows an impressive tenure as Vice President and General Manager of KPTM and KXVO in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has been instrumental since 2021. His leadership in Omaha expanded in 2023 to include oversight of additional stations KHGI and KFXL, further demonstrating his capability to manage complex operations across multiple markets.
Gentile’s journey with Sinclair began in 2004, where he has held various roles in sales and leadership across several key markets, including Baltimore, Tampa, and Columbus, Ohio. His extensive experience within the company has equipped him with the skills necessary to drive growth and innovation, making him an ideal fit for the Cincinnati market.
2. Commitment to Community and Excellence
Rob Weisbord, COO and President of Local Media, expressed confidence in Gentile's leadership, stating, “Franco has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strategic vision that drives growth and innovation. His success in Omaha and Lincoln reflects his ability to build strong teams and deliver results.” Weisbord emphasized the importance of Gentile’s return to Ohio, highlighting his previous role as General Sales Manager in Columbus, suggesting a deep understanding of the local market dynamics.
In response to his appointment, Gentile expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Ohio, stating, "My family and I are excited to return to Ohio and become part of this dynamic community. I look forward to leading our talented team in Cincinnati. Together we will uphold Sinclair’s commitment to serving the community, engaging audiences with high-quality local content, and providing businesses with premium advertising and marketing solutions through Cincinnati and northern Kentucky."
3. Gentile's Background and Community Involvement
Franco Gentile is not only a seasoned broadcasting executive but also a committed community leader. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, alongside a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Towson University. Gentile actively participates in community service, serving on the boards of organizations such as the Downtown Rotary of Omaha, the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, and the American Advertising Federation of Nebraska.
4. Sinclair Broadcast Group: A Media Powerhouse
Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) stands as a diversified media company and a prominent provider of local news and sports, operating 185 television stations across 86 markets affiliated with major broadcast networks. The company also owns specialized content outlets like the Tennis Channel and multicast networks such as Comet, CHARGE!, TBD, and The Nest. Sinclair focuses on delivering content through various platforms, including over-the-air broadcasts and the nation's largest streaming aggregator of local news, NewsON.
With Gentile at the helm, WKRC and WSTR are poised for an exciting future, reinforcing Sinclair's commitment to high-quality local content and community engagement in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.