Hearst Television is launching its own original programming unit and has named the man who runs part of its local station group to lead it.
Hearst Media Production Group will develop and produce original programming within Hearst Television’s existing studio resources, and will partner with outside production entities for distribution to television stations, broadcast and cable networks and streaming services. The new business unit will also incorporate Hearst Television’s existing national program resources, including Litton Entertainment, a leading producer and global distributor of TV programming and the preeminent provider of children’s educational and informational content.
Frank Biancuzzo has been named president of the newly formed group. Biancuzzo is longtime Hearst Television and media executive who is currently the evp and group head of Hearst Television overseeing the company’s television and radio stations with Mike Hayes.
Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb said the move is “a logical progression” for Hearst, and that Biancuzzo is the right choice to lead the new production group.
“Frank is among the broadcast television industry’s most versatile, creative and highly regarded executives, and he will have the resources to expand our programming relationships and original content portfolio,” said Wertlieb.
Before leading Hearst’s local station group, Biancuzzo was president and general manager of the station group’s Milwaukee station WISN. He’s also worked on Hearst Television’s corporate team overseeing marketing and promotion for the station group, as well as at Frank N. Magid Associates. Biancuzzo currently serves as vice chair of the CBS Affiliate Board and heads the board’s news committee. He was also an advisor on the ABC Affiliate Board promotion committee.
“This is a pivotal time in our industry with a strong demand for original programming across all platforms,” said Biancuzzo. “We look forward to building on our past successes, while developing new and distinctive programming from a creative, strategic and business partnership standpoint.”