Sinclair Announces Leadership Transition at Rochester Station WUHF and partner station WHAM
11.24.2025
Chuck Samuels to Retire; Sean LaRose Promoted to Vice President & General Manager WUHF
Rochester, NY – November 24, 2025 – Sinclair today announced that Chuck Samuels, Vice President/General Manager of its Rochester television operations, will retire at the end of November after a long and distinguished career. Sean LaRose, currently Director of Sales in Rochester, will be promoted to Vice President & General Manager, effective December 1.
Samuels has served as Vice President & General Manager of WUHF and provided services for WHAM for nearly two decades, guiding the stations through digital transformation, expanded news coverage, and deeper community engagement. Before becoming Vice President/General Manager, he spent nearly a decade as News Director at WHAM and previously served as News Director at WKBW in Buffalo. Earlier in his career, Samuels held newsroom leadership roles at KDKA in Pittsburgh, WTSP in Tampa, and WTLV in Jacksonville.
LaRose, currently Director of Sales for the stations, oversees sales strategy for the Rochester stations, leading cross-platform revenue initiatives, developing integrated marketing solutions for local and national advertisers, and building high-performing sales teams. He previously served as Local Sales Manager for the stations and earlier held sales leadership roles at WIVB/WNLO-TV in Buffalo, Spectrum Reach, and Time Warner Cable Media Sales.
“Chuck has been a steady and trusted leader who helped strengthen our Rochester operations and deepen our connection to the community,” said Rob Weisbord, Chief Operating Officer and President of Local Media at Sinclair. “We are grateful for his commitment, professionalism and years of service. Sean is a highly respected leader with a strong track record in sales strategy, client partnerships, and team development. We’re confident he will continue to elevate our efforts in Rochester and advance our mission of Enriching Local Lives.”
“After eight years in sales management roles, I am excited to accept this opportunity to guide our outstanding teams into a new phase of growth and success. The local media landscape is constantly evolving, and Sinclair is leading that change by delivering exceptional local content for our viewers, while offering businesses the most effective and accountable custom marketing solutions to drive growth,” said LaRose.
“It has truly been a pleasure to live and work in the Rochester community for nearly 30 years,” said Samuels. “I have been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with so many talented people throughout that time. As I conclude my career, I feel confident knowing that the next generation of talent is here and off and running.”
About Sinclair:
Sinclair (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 178 television stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel, the premium destination for tennis enthusiasts; multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR and The Nest. Sinclair’s AMP Media produces a growing portfolio of digital content and original podcasts. Additional information about Sinclair can be found at www.sbgi.net.
Media contact: Jessica Bellucci [email protected]