Blanchard becomes VP/GM of Nexstar’s Richmond broadcasting, digital operations

The following excerpt was sent out from Editor & Publisher:

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. has promoted Steven Blanchard to vice president and general manager of the company’s broadcasting and digital operations in Richmond, Virginia, including WRIC-TV (ABC DMA #56), wric.com, and their related digital and social media channels. Blanchard will begin his duties immediately and report to Brandin Stewart, senior vice president and regional manager for Nexstar’s broadcasting division.

Blanchard brings nearly 30 years of broadcast sales and management experience to his new role.

Since 2013, Blanchard has served as director of sales for WFLA-TV (NBC), WTTA-TV (CW) and WSNN, Nexstar’s media properties serving Florida’s Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota market (DMA #12). Blanchard was responsible for the long-term strategy and day-to-day management of the broadcast and digital sales operations of all three businesses.

Commenting on his appointment, Blanchard said, “I’m grateful to Nexstar for this promotion and excited to be joining the team at WRIC-TV. This is a great television station with a rich history, and when you combine it with Nexstar’s commitment to local content and the unique and innovative cross-platform advertising solutions offered to its viewers and clients, the result gives us a distinct advantage over our competitors. I see a lot of opportunity for growth ahead.”

Blanchard is an active participant in community organizations, serving for many years on the board of directors of the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and on the advisory board of Cove Behavioral H