Larry Wert Tapped To Head Tribune’s TV, Radio

Larry Wert (Trib photo)

Veteran Chicago broadcasting executive Larry Wert has been named president of local broadcasting for Tribune Co.

The announcement Wednesday puts Wert in charge of Tribune Co.'s 23 television stations, including WGN-Ch. 9 in Chicago, KTLA in Los Angeles and WPIX in New York, as well as WGN-AM 720 in Chicago.

Wert, who has been president and general manager of NBC-owned WMAQ-Ch. 5 since 1998, is expected to assume his new role within the next several weeks, according to The Chicago Tribune.

"I'm very much looking forward to this," said Wert, 56. "The timing is terrific for a new beginning for me, and the Tribune organization as well."

The Chicago-area native has spent 30 years in broadcasting, most of it in his home market. He started in television sales with ABC in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, where he became local sales manager at WLS-Ch. 7.

In 1989, Wert shifted to radio as president and general manager of Chicago combo WLUP-FM 97.9 and AM 1000, better known as The Loop. He worked his way up to overseeing 13 radio properties as senior vice president of Chancellor Broadcasting before leaving for NBC 5.

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