Veteran Broadcaster With More Than 20 Years In Television Management

Tribune Broadcasting today named Robert Furlong as vice president and general manager of WPMT-TV, the company’s television station in Harrisburg, PA; Furlong will assume his new duties July 18.  Furlong was most recently president and chief executive officer of VCI solutions, a provider of software to cable and broadcast television industries, and before that managed television stations in Albany, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

“Bob has the talent and experience we need to achieve continued success in Harrisburg,” said Nils Larsen, Tribune Broadcasting’s chief executive officer.  “He’s been successful at growing ratings and revenues against tough competition, he understands the importance of developing a strong online and mobile presence, and he knows the vital role that WPMT-TV plays in the community.”

Furlong served as vice president and general manager for Freedom Broadcasting’s duopoly in Albany, NY for six years beginning in 2004.  He was responsible for overseeing the operations of CBS affiliate WRGB-TV and CW affiliate WCWN-TV.  While there he developed an interactive product and improved news ratings, increasing both market share and cash flow.  Prior to his tenure in Albany, Furlong was vice president and general manager at the CBS affiliate in Phoenix, KPHO-TV; before that at KUTP-TV in Phoenix; and before that at KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City.

“WPMT has been expanding news, growing ratings and constantly looking for new ways of serving its viewers, advertisers and the community,” said Furlong.  “There is a lot of opportunity to build on this very solid foundation—I am looking forward to leading this talented group of broadcasters.”

Furlong has ties to the Pennsylvania area and is a graduate of Shippensburg University, in Shippensburg, PA, just a few miles away from Harrisburg.