Julie Brinks has been named vp and general manager of WOOD-TV (NBC), WOTV-TV (ABC) and WXSP-TV (My Network) and its affiliated digital services serving the Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Michigan DMA. Brinks will assume her new responsibilities immediately, and report to Nextar Broadcasting svp and regional manager Diane Kniowski.
Brinks possesses three decades of expertise in local and national sales management, local programming and content, new business development, operations and strategic planning across multiple media platforms.
Prior to joining Nexstar, Brinks served as the gm of KOHD-TV (ABC) and KBNZ-LD (CBS) in Bend, Oregon, where she focused on brand development, and local content leadership. She oversaw the launch of the stations’ news programming, managing all aspects of local branding, creative development, news set construction and talent recruitment.
Before that, Brinks was general manager at the Tucson ABC affiliate KGUN-TV from 2007-2012.
“Julie is a well-respected leader with an impressive broadcast television and sales management career that spans over three decades, including significant experience managing local media operations with multiple affiliations across a diverse range of markets and in Michigan,” Kniowski noted. “As a native, she has built deep community connections and a solid reputation as a trusted business partner who is committed to the growth and economic success of local businesses…Throughout her career, Julie has demonstrated a results-oriented and entrepreneurial approach to the business of broadcasting and we are confident that her valuable management expertise, strong relationships and deep dedication to the local community will enhance the position of our broadcasting and digital media operations in Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek.”
Commenting on her new role, Brinks said, “I am grateful for this opportunity to return to my home state of Michigan, where I have deep personal, business and community relationships. WOOD-TV is the local market leader with a strong digital presence and long-term record of exceptional community service. In my new role, I will utilize the management and marketing experience built over my career to further grow the operations while delivering excellent results and greater levels of service to the local community. I look forward to working alongside the exceptional local media teams at WOOD-TV, WOTV-TV, woodtv.com and wotv4women.com, as we work to expand our marketing solutions across multiple platforms for our advertising partners, while also building continued viewership growth through the delivery of enhanced local news and entertainment programming for the local audiences we serve across 14 counties in Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek.”