Tribune Names Nils Larsen CEO of its Broadcasting Division

Tribune Co. said Tuesday it has appointed Nils Larsen, effective immediately, to CEO of Tribune Broadcasting where he'll assume the duties of Jerry Kersting, who was president of the division, a role that has been eliminated.

Larsen has been chairman of Tribune Broadcasting since October and is also chief investment officer of Tribune Co., the bankrupt parent company that owns The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and several other publications along with its TV holdings.

In his new role, Larsen will oversee 23 TV stations along with the WGN America cable network and WGN Radio.

The announcement was made by Eddy Hartenstein, who became CEO of Tribune Co. three weeks ago.

"Nils is the right person to lead our broadcasting opertions," Hartenstein said. "He's thoughtful, creative and has the vision necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the group."

Kersting spent only a year with Tribune Broadcasting, joining as COO and being promoted to president seven months ago.