Sinclair Goes With Outside Hire Steve Rosenberg To Run RSNs

Sinclair hired Universal Studios exec Steve Rosenberg to run its RSN business, filling one of the most sought-after posts in sports media. As President of Local Sports, Rosenberg will oversee the RSNs, Stadium and the company’s high school sports division. The selection of Rosenberg comes as a surprise to several industry watchers who believed that Sinclair would fill the post with an internal candidate. Sinclair Chief Development Officer Scott Shapiro and Senior VP/General Counsel David Gibber both looked into taking the job at some point over the past month, since current President Jeff Krolik announced his retirement at the end of May. Sinclair used Nolan Partners to fill the position.

Rosenberg spent 20 years at Universal Studios, eventually becoming President of Universal Television and World Wide Distribution. Rosenberg, who holds ownership stakes in some minor league baseball teams, starts July 20, reporting to Sinclair President of Broadcast & Chief Advertising Revenue Officer Rob Weisbord. Rosenberg officially becomes President on Sept. 1, the day after Krolik officially steps down.