Brian McHale to Join Journal Broadcast Group as CTO

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Journal Broadcast Group has named Brian McHale the company's new Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

In this role, McHale will oversee the leadership, management, implementation and long-term planning of the company's technical and physical infrastructure across its 13 television stations and 35 radio stations in 11 states. He will also ensure the efficient and on-schedule delivery of media content, identify emerging technologies and how to profitably deploy them, and work closely with Journal's leadership team to develop the company's operational and strategic direction.

McHale will report jointly to Debbie Turner, Executive Vice President – Television, and Steve Wexler, Executive Vice President - Radio.

“We are very excited to have Brian join our Journal Broadcast Group team in such a critical role,” Turner said. “His prior experience, combined with his vision for the future, will help us position our broadcast group for success.”

“Brian's combination of operational knowledge and ideas about how technology shapes our future will truly benefit our business,” Wexler said.

"Journal is clearly an innovative media company committed to leveraging technology across multiple platforms, creating new revenue streams and increasing shareholder value,” McHale said. “I look forward to using my broad knowledge in media and entertainment technology to quickly contribute to the success of this dynamic company."

McHale joins Journal from Fisher Communications, where he served as Vice President of Technology for three years. Prior to his position at Fisher, he was Chief Technologist at Mobile500 Alliance. He also held a variety of senior technology roles at the companies of Liberty Media Corporation, including Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at DirecTV Sports Networks, Vice President of Information Technology at Starz Entertainment, and Vice President of International Information Technology at Discovery Communications. He also currently serves as a Board Member and Advisor to Wearable X Labs, Inc.

McHale will begin in his new role in April 7 and will work with Andy Laird, former CTO of Journal Broadcast Group, to transition Laird's responsibilities throughout 2014. Laird announced in October 2013 his intention to retire later this year. “I'm happy that Brian will be working side-by-side with Andy Laird so we'll enjoy the benefits of their combined knowledge and a seamless transition,” Wexler said.

“I'm looking forward to partnering with Brian as, together, we chart our technology strategy for the future,” said Andre Fernandez, President and Chief Operating Officer of Journal Communications, the parent company of Journal Broadcast Group.

Fernandez added, “My thanks again to Andy Laird, our outgoing VP and CTO, for his years of service to the company and for helping build the solid technology platform we enjoy today.”

About Journal Broadcast Group

Journal Broadcast Group owns and operates 35 radio stations and 13 television stations in 11 states. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it is the broadcast business of Journal Communications Inc. JRN, a diversified media company with operations in publishing, radio and television broadcasting, and interactive media.