Today Nexstar Media Group announced that Michael Bird has been appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer. He will assume his new duties on August 21st, 2023, and his contract runs through August 2027.
Mr. Bird has spent 23 years at Fox Corporation. At Fox he helped oversee the distribution of television programming via broadcasting platforms, digital platforms, SVOD, and pay networks covering the FOX linear networks, direct-to-consumer products, and free ad-supported streaming services.
“Michael is a talented, innovative, and deeply experienced media executive who will be a great leader for Nexstar and the senior management team as we chart the future of the Company,” said Mr. Sook. “The Board of Directors and I are confident that his vision and judgement will be invaluable as we continue maximizing Nexstar’s shareholder return by furthering the growth of our national brands and audiences, enhancing the value of our spectrum through the additional deployment of ATSC 3.0, and strategically targeting accretive mergers and acquisitions.”
“Tom Carter has been a tremendous partner since joining Nexstar, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth and expansion for the company,” added Mr. Sook. “We are fortunate that Nexstar will continue to benefit from Tom’s knowledge and expertise as he helps Michael transition into his new role.”
“Perry, Tom, and the Nexstar Nation have created a company with extraordinary scale and unparalleled financial performance,” said Mr. Biard. “Nexstar has built a true media powerhouse, with respected national brands like The CW Network, NewsNation, The Hill, and local television stations reaching 68% of the country with high-quality local news and programming. This impressive foundation consistently returns value to Nexstar shareholders, delivering more free cash flow than many older, larger competitors. Nexstar’s strategic approach and disciplined execution will enable further growth and expansion, and I am eager to help lead the way forward. I am grateful to Perry, Tom, and the Board for this opportunity, and I want to express my profound appreciation to my colleagues and close friends at FOX, especially Lachlan Murdoch and John Nallen, for allowing me to pursue it.”
Thomas Carter, the current President, and COO, joined Nexstar in 2009 and will stay on with Nexstar through the end of the year as a senior advisor.