Nexstar Broadcasting Group announced Stephen Ventura has been appointed Vice President and General Manager of WFXV-TV (FOX) / WPNY-LP (MNTV) and associated digital operations, including community web portal CNYhomepage.com and its mobile applications, serving the Utica, New York DMA. In his new role, Ventura will also oversee WUTR-TV (ABC) through Nexstar’s operating agreement with Mission Broadcasting. Ventura’s appointment is effective immediately, and he will report to Bill Sally, SVP and Regional Manager for Nexstar.
Ventura has served as the Director of Sales of Nexstar’s Utica broadcast and digital operations since joining the Company in 2006. Throughout his tenure, Ventura has demonstrated effective broadcasting sales leadership while administrating all aspects of local, regional and national sales. His efforts have resulted in significant revenue streams for the station’s television, website and mobile verticals.
As a Utica native, Ventura brings to his new role an impressive broadcasting and advertising career that spans over two decades. Prior to joining Nexstar, he was the Director of Advertising for the Carbone Auto Group where he directed Carbone’s marketing department that was responsible for developing high impact marketing campaigns for over 20 different auto franchises in Central New York. Prior to his move into automotive marketing, Mr. Ventura held local sales account executive positions at WKTV-TV (NBC) in Utica, NY, WFXV in Rome, NY, as well as WSYT-TV (FOX) and WTVH-TV (CBS) both in Syracuse, NY.
Commenting on the appointment, Bill Sally stated, “Steve’s critical knowledge of station management, sales and marketing, local programming and the importance of digital and social media integration are synchronous with Nexstar’s organization-wide culture. In addition, Steve’s personal and professional longevity in the Utica market is unmatched in Central New York broadcasting. His strong relationships with community members and with business leaders will give Steve a distinct competitive advantage in creating engaging local programming opportunities for viewers and developing innovative, results-oriented marketing solutions for advertisers and clients. Steve has provided exceptional sales leadership in the Utica market and has been integral to our success in forging longstanding relationships with local advertisers, businesses, and community organizations. He has a proven long-term record of generating operating and financial results through innovative strategies and establishment of an effective sales operation. With his local broadcasting expertise, strong client relationships, and dedication to the local communities across Central New York, we are confident in Steve’s ability to provide the necessary leadership to build upon the achievements of our Utica operations.”
Said Ventura: “As a lifelong Utica resident, I am deeply committed to this community. In this new role, I will leverage the management experience and relationships built over my career to grow the operations while providing unparalleled service to our local viewers and advertisers. Nexstar’s commitment to the local community is widely recognized throughout the industry. I am proud to work alongside an excellent team at WFVX, WUTR and CNYHomepage.com while also having the opportunity to lead the broadcast and digital operations that serve my hometown. I look forward to continuing our work toward growing the stations’ brands and building on the stations’ current positive trajectory. My objective remains focused on yielding viewership growth by delivering compelling local news and entertainment programming while also offering effective multi-platform advertising solutions for our business partners.”
