Sinclair Taps Universal Studios Vet Steve Rosenberg as President of Local Sports

Sinclair Broadcast Group has appointed industry veteran and former Universal Studios executive Steve Rosenberg as president of local sports. In this new role, Rosenberg will oversee the company’s regional sports networks (RSNs), Sinclair’s streaming sports channel Stadium, and the company’s high school sports division that operates in local markets across the country. Rosenberg will join the company beginning July 20 and will assume the role of president on September 1 upon the retirement of current President of Sinclair RSNs Jeff Krolik, who announced his plans to retire at the end of May.

Sinclair Names Steve Rosenberg President of Local Sports

Rosenberg brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Sinclair, working at the intersection of television, entertainment and sports. He will lead the effort to integrate all of Sinclair’s new sports assets into the company. Last August Sinclair closed a deal valued at $10.6 billion with The Walt Disney Company to acquire the equity interests in 21 RSNs and Fox College Sports, which were acquired by Disney in its previous deal with 21st Century Fox.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role with Sinclair and further the company’s presence in sports,” says Rosenberg. “This represents the culmination of decades working in the broadcast industry, and I am excited to be able to combine my love for TV entertainment and distribution with my passion for sports. I look forward to working with the current management team, including the RSN COO/CFO, Billy Chambers, and others, in continuing the company’s already incredible work, bringing local sports content to more people.”

Rosenberg has spent decades working in television and entertainment, spending more than 20 years with Universal Studios. He began his career with Universal working in sales, and was quickly promoted to vice president of eastern sales and national sales manager. In the following years, with the growth of first run production, cable distribution and revenue, Rosenberg became executive vice president of sales responsible for all domestic television revenue, for both programming and advertising sales.

In 1997, Rosenberg was named president of Universal Domestic Television and in 2001 added co-president of Universal Television and World Wide Distribution, where he was responsible for all programming, production, distribution, legal and business affairs, content development, promotion, marketing and all new media activities across all markets globally. He oversaw an extensive library of Universal content and products that were distributed worldwide, including more than 5,000 feature films and over 40,000 hours of series television. Rosenberg’s innovative approach led to many network shows becoming staples of both broadcast and cable television. His pioneering sales and marketing efforts, including the development of dual platforming, has led it to becoming an industry-wide practice.

“For three decades, Steve has proven himself to be at the forefront of TV distribution and has consistently brought an entrepreneurial mindset into the corporate world,” says Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley. “Without Steve’s pioneering efforts, TV would not be enjoyed the same way it is today, and we are excited to bring this dynamic leader onto our growing team. Sports represents a pivotal pillar of Sinclair’s future and we couldn’t be more excited to have Steve leading this charge.”