SBG Names Rick Lipps GM in Springfield/Decatur, IL Market
08.04.2014
News Release
Contact: Steve Marks, COO
(813) 886-9882
SINCLAIR NAMES RICK LIPPS GENERAL MANAGER IN THE SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR, ILLINOIS MARKET
Springfield, IL (August 4, 2014) – Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced that Rick Lipps has been named General Manager of WICS (ABC) in the Springfield/Decatur, Illinois market. Mr. Lipps will also oversee sales and other non-programming related services of WRSP (FOX) and WBUI (CW) in the same market pursuant to joint sales and shared services agreements. The announcement was made by Steve Marks, Co-Chief Operating Officer of Sinclair’s television group
In making the announcement, Mr. Marks said, “Rick is a highly-experienced station manager focused on driving all aspects of the stations he oversees. He is not only results-driven, but understands the need to maintain and develop client and viewer relationships. We believe he is the perfect choice to optimize our position in the market.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for which I am thrilled,” commented Mr. Lipps. “The Springfield/Decatur area is a dynamic market with a growing diverse revenue base. Providing the best local news and entertainment for our viewers has been and will continue to be our top priority. I am looking forward to leading and working with a great team and becoming involved in the local community.
Mr. Lipps most recently and since 2007 served as General Manager of WCBD (NBC/CW) in Charleston, SC, as well as Group Leader for stations in Savannah and Augusta, GA. From 2006 to 2007, he was General Manager of WNWO (NBC) in Toledo, OH, a station currently owned by Sinclair. Prior to that and from 1999, he was General Manager of WTNZ (FOX) in Knoxville, TN and KWWL (ABC) in Waterloo, IA. Mr. Lipps started his broadcasting career in the early 1980’s, working for various broadcasters in management positions, including Sullivan Broadcasting, Quorum Broadcasting, Woods Communications Group and Wheeler Communications. Mr. Lipps has recently served on the Boards of Directors for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries and Charleston United Way. Mr. Lipps graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is the largest and one of the most diversified television broadcasting companies with affiliations with all the major networks. Sinclair’s television group will reach approximately 38.9% of U.S. television households after pending transactions. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.
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