Tribune Broadcasting today announced that Sean Compton has been appointed President/Programming for the division effective immediately. Compton, who has served as Tribune Broadcasting’s Senior Vice President/Programming and Entertainment since 2008, will oversee programming decisions for the company’s 23 television stations, its national cable station, WGN America, and WGN Radio in Chicago.                                 

“Sean is one of the most innovative thinkers and strategic programmers in the industry,” said Jerry Kersting, President of Tribune Broadcasting. “He’s been turning around the attitude at our station group and at WGN America by securing some outstanding syndicated programming—and better programming means better ratings.  He’s making a huge difference in our success.”

For the past two years, Compton has overseen programming and entertainment for the company’s station group and WGN America, where ratings are up 19 percent year-over-year and 27 percent during prime time. He’s brought some of the country’s most popular off-network comedies to Tribune Broadcasting, including “Entourage,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “How I Met Your Mother”—all set to debut this fall.  “30 Rock” will begin airing on WGN America and select Tribune stations in fall 2011.     

“We’ve made huge progress at our station group and at WGN America,” said Compton. “Our fall 2010 and 2011 line-ups will have great new shows that will continue to grow our ratings and improve the image of our stations.”

Prior to joining Tribune, Compton spent 10 years at Clear Channel and six years at Jacor Communications, where his initial title was “Not A Vice President.”