Julio Marenghi Promoted to Executive Vice President/General Manager for WGN America

CHICAGO, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribune Broadcasting today announced the promotion of Julio Marenghi to executive vice president/general manager for WGN America.  Most recently, Marenghi served as executive vice president/sales and distribution for the national cable network.

In addition to his current responsibilities of leading all top line sales efforts and growing distribution, Marenghi will be responsible for managing the national cable channel's day-to-day operations, assisting in programming decisions and managing its bottom line results.

"Julio has been an integral player to the progressive changes that continue to take place at WGN America," said Jerry Kersting, president of Tribune Broadcasting.  "Since he joined the network, our ad sales have improved, our bottom line results have steadily increased and we are in total growth mode.  His leadership is second to none and we're glad he's on our team."

WGN America's cumulative audience reach is larger than it has been in the history of the network.  In addition, the cable channel's daytime numbers continue to grow and it is among the most widely viewed cable networks in daytime television.

"The growth at WGN America in the last two years is remarkable," said Marenghi.  "We will continue to expand the network with our distribution partners and add viewership through our strong entertainment programming.  I'm looking forward to continued growth and a bright future for the network."

In the fall of 2010, WGN America added award winning programming to the network, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, How I Met Your Mother, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Monk and The Unit, to join Bones, Scrubs, South Park, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and an extensive movie library. WGN America is also home to live professional sporting events including nearly 100 Major League Baseball games, showcasing all 30 MLB teams. This fall, WGN America will add 30 Rock and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Marenghi is an industry veteran with more than 30 years experience. Prior to joining WGN America in 2009, he held significant leadership roles at CBS Television Stations including president/advertising sales where he was responsible for the strategic management, operation and top line sales of 27 stations.

TRIBUNE is one of the country's leading multimedia companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, The Morning Call and Daily Press. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable and Chicago's WGN-AM.  Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

SOURCE Tribune Broadcasting