Introduction to Hearst Television Inc.

Hearst Television Inc. is a premier media organization headquartered in New York City, New York, with additional major operational hubs in Boston, Massachusetts and Baltimore, Maryland. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the storied Hearst Communications, the company stands as a dominant force in the broadcast television industry, reaching over 20 million households across the United States through its portfolio of 37 television stations and two radio stations. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Hearst Television Inc. has evolved from a single radio station into a diversified multimedia powerhouse, encompassing local news, syndicated programming, digital content, and community-focused initiatives. The company is widely recognized for its journalistic excellence, innovative technology adoption, and deep commitment to the communities it serves. In an era of rapid media transformation, Hearst Television Inc. continues to set industry benchmarks by investing in high-quality content, advanced broadcasting systems, and strategic partnerships that amplify its reach and relevance. Organizations ranging from local businesses to national advertisers rely on Hearst Television Inc. for unparalleled audience engagement, trusted news coverage, and effective advertising solutions. The company’s reputation as a top-tier Entertainment and information provider is built on decades of ethical reporting, creative programming, and operational excellence. Its stations consistently earn prestigious awards, including Edward R. Murrow Awards and Emmy Awards, underscoring its leadership in journalism and entertainment. Hearst Television Inc. is not just a broadcaster; it is a cultural institution that shapes public discourse, drives economic growth in local markets, and provides a platform for diverse voices. This comprehensive profile explores the company’s history, operations, culture, and future trajectory, offering an insider’s view of one of America’s most respected media enterprises.

Company History and Business Evolution

The roots of Hearst Television Inc. trace back to 1934, when William Randolph Hearst, a towering figure in American publishing, acquired WISN-AM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, laying the foundation for a broadcast empire. In 1937, the company expanded into television with the launch of W63CM in Milwaukee (later WISN-TV), one of the earliest TV stations in the country. Throughout the mid-20th century, Hearst Television Inc. grew through strategic acquisitions and technological upgrades, pioneering the transition from black-and-white to color broadcasting in the 1960s. A landmark milestone occurred in 1981 when the company acquired the Hearst-Argyle Television group, consolidating multiple stations under a unified leadership structure. The 1990s saw a digital revolution, with Hearst Television Inc. investing heavily in high-definition production and digital infrastructure. By the early 2000s, the company had expanded its footprint to include stations in top markets such as Pittsburgh, Sacramento, and Kansas City. In 2005, Hearst Television Inc. launched its first centralized newsroom, the Hearst Television Washington Bureau, enhancing its political and national reporting capabilities. More recently, the company has embraced streaming and mobile platforms, launching proprietary apps and partnering with networks like Verizon FiOS and Hulu to distribute content. Notable acquisitions include the purchase of WCCO-TV in Minneapolis in 1996 and KMBC-TV in Kansas City in 2003. In 2020, Hearst Television Inc. celebrated its 100th anniversary of broadcast operations (counting from its radio origins) with a series of community events and digital showcases. The company’s evolution reflects a continuous commitment to innovation, from adopting satellite news gathering in the 1980s to deploying 5G-enabled remote broadcasting in the 2020s. Today, Hearst Television Inc. operates a robust network of stations that generate over $1.5 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 5,000 professionals. Its history is a testament to the enduring power of local journalism and the adaptability of a family-owned enterprise in a consolidating industry.

Hearst Television Inc. at a Glance

Below are 20 essential facts and keywords that define Hearst Television Inc.:

• Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
• Founded: 1934 (as a radio station)
• CEO: Jordan Wertlieb (since 2016)
• Parent Company: Hearst Communications (privately held)
• Number of Stations: 37 television stations and 2 radio stations
• Market Reach: 20+ million U.S. households
• Annual Revenue: Approximately $1.5 billion (2023 estimate)
• Employees: Over 5,000
• Flagship Station: WISN-TV (Milwaukee) and WBAL-TV (Baltimore)
• Key Programming: Local news, syndicated shows, sports, and entertainment
• Awards: Multiple Edward R. Murrow, Emmy, and Peabody Awards
• Digital Platforms: Hearst Television app, HearstStream, and social media channels
• Industry Category: Entertainment & Media - Broadcasting
• Major Competitors: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Nexstar Media Group, Gray Television
• Affiliations: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and The CW
• Innovation: First to deploy ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) in multiple markets
• Community Impact: Over $10 million annually in charitable contributions and PSA airtime
• Global Presence: Operates only in the United States, but content reaches worldwide via digital platforms
• Union Affiliations: Recognizes NABET, AFTRA, and IATSE for certain stations
• IPO Status: Privately held (subsidiary of Hearst Communications)

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Hearst Television Inc. operates with a clear mission: “To inform, inspire, and entertain our communities through trusted journalism and compelling storytelling.” This mission drives every aspect of the company’s operations, from newsroom decisions to programming acquisitions. The vision is to be the most trusted and innovative local media company in every market it serves, leveraging technology to create immersive experiences for viewers. Core corporate values include: Integrity – maintaining the highest ethical standards in journalism; Community – prioritizing local engagement and civic responsibility; Innovation – continuously adopting new technologies and storytelling formats; Inclusivity – fostering a diverse workforce and reflecting diverse perspectives in content; and Excellence – pursuing quality in every broadcast, digital product, and customer interaction. These values are embedded in employee training, performance reviews, and strategic partnerships. Hearst Television Inc. also emphasizes environmental sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient broadcasting equipment and digital workflows. The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident in its Hearst Television Cares initiative, which supports literacy, disaster relief, and youth development programs. Every year, the company conducts a Values Audit to align its practices with its stated principles, ensuring accountability across all levels.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Hearst Television Inc.’s business strategy revolves around three pillars: Content Leadership, Technological Innovation, and Community Engagement. The company invests heavily in original local programming, including investigative journalism, weather coverage, and lifestyle shows, to differentiate itself from national networks and streaming services. In terms of technology, Hearst Television Inc. is a pioneer in NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), having launched the standard in over a dozen markets by 2024. This allows for enhanced picture quality, interactive features, and targeted advertising. The company also leverages artificial intelligence for content personalization and predictive analytics to optimize advertising inventory. Its future roadmap includes expanding over-the-top (OTT) streaming services, such as Very Local, a platform aggregating local news from its stations. Additionally, Hearst Television Inc. is exploring programmatic advertising and data-driven sponsorships to offer more value to advertisers. Strategic partnerships with Comcast, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery ensure a steady pipeline of syndicated content. The company also plans to deepen its focus on digital revenue, targeting a 30% increase from online advertising and subscriptions by 2027. Internally, the road map emphasizes talent development through an in-house Hearst Television Academy, which trains journalists and technicians in emerging skills. Sustainability remains a key focus, with a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through renewable energy credits and efficient operations.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Hearst Television Inc. offers a diverse range of products and services that cater to viewers, advertisers, and content partners. Its core product is local broadcast television, delivering news, weather, sports, and entertainment across 37 stations. Each station operates a 24/7 digital newsroom that produces content for linear TV, websites, and mobile apps. The company’s proprietary mobile app, Hearst Television Now, provides live streaming, on-demand clips, and personalized alerts. For advertisers, Hearst Television Inc. provides multichannel advertising solutions, including linear TV spots, digital display ads, sponsored content, and programmatic media buying through its platform HearstX. The company also offers production services such as live event broadcasting, commercial production, and satellite uplink services through its Hearst Television Production Center in Baltimore. On the technology front, Hearst Television Inc. has deployed cloud-based news production systems (using Google Cloud and AWS) to enable remote collaboration. Its NextGen TV implementation includes features like emergency alerts with enhanced graphics, datacasting, and 4K HDR broadcasts. The company also experiments with augmented reality (AR) for weather and sports segments. For content creators, Hearst Television Inc. operates Hearst Television Studios, which develops lighthearted lifestyle and entertainment programs like TMJ4’s The Morning Blend and Sacramento & Company. Additionally, the company has a syndication division that distributes popular shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! to its stations and other affiliates.

Industries and Markets Served

Hearst Television Inc. primarily serves the broadcast television industry, but its influence extends to adjacent sectors. The company’s content reaches consumers in the entertainment, news, sports, and educational segments. Its advertisers span industries such as automotive, healthcare, retail, financial services, and telecommunications. Hearst Television Inc. also serves the public service sector by providing emergency alert systems and community outreach programs. Geographically, its market coverage includes major U.S. metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta, as well as mid-sized markets such as Omaha, Des Moines, and Burlington. The company’s digital platforms have a global reach, attracting viewership from U.S. military personnel abroad and international audiences interested in American local news. For businesses, Hearst Television Inc. offers B2B marketing solutions through its Hearst Television Business Solutions group, which provides retail media networks and local ad targeting. The company also partners with political campaigns and advocacy groups for advertising and public affairs programming. In the education sector, Hearst Television Inc. collaborates with schools to produce student journalism programs and STEM-focused content. Nonprofit organizations benefit from discounted or public service airtime to amplify their missions. Thus, Hearst Television Inc. serves a broad spectrum of industries, reinforcing its role as an economic engine and community cornerstone.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership team at Hearst Television Inc. is headed by President and CEO Jordan Wertlieb, who joined the company in 2016 after serving as president of the Hearst Television division’s eastern group. Under his guidance, the company has embraced digital transformation and cultural diversity. Other key executives include Evan Peters, Senior Vice President of News; Lisa Gray, Vice President of Digital Operations; and Mark Dempsey, Chief Technology Officer. The management philosophy is rooted in servant leadership and empowerment. Leaders are expected to foster an environment where journalists and technologists can innovate without fear of failure. Regular town hall meetings and leadership retreats allow for transparent communication across departments. The company also practices data-driven decision-making, using audience insights and revenue analytics to guide strategy. Mentorship is a core tenet, with senior managers required to mentor at least two junior employees annually. Hearst Television Inc. values long-term thinking over short-term gains, which is why it consistently invests in unprofitable but impactful journalism, like investigative series that may take months to produce. The company’s culture emphasizes collaboration between station managers and corporate teams, ensuring that local needs inform national initiatives. This management philosophy has resulted in high employee retention rates and top-tier industry recognition.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Hearst Television Inc. actively participates in and hosts numerous industry events and community initiatives. Each year, the company holds the Hearst Television Summit, an internal conference that brings together station managers, advertisers, and technology partners to discuss emerging trends. The company also sponsors the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show and the PromaxBDA Conference. In local communities, Hearst Television Inc. organizes health fairs, job expos, and back-to-school drives. Its flagship community program, Hearst Television Cares, mobilizes employees for volunteer activities such as food bank packing and park cleanups. The company also runs Project Community, a year-long initiative where each station highlights a local nonprofit monthly. During election cycles, Hearst Television Inc. hosts voter town halls and candidate debates, allowing viewers to engage directly with public servants. Additionally, the company supports media literacy programs in schools and collaborates with the Poynter Institute to train journalism educators. Corporate events like the Hearst Television Awards Gala celebrate employee achievements and station milestones. These activities burnish the company’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen deeply embedded in the social fabric of its markets.

Employees and Workplace Culture

With over 5,000 employees across the United States, Hearst Television Inc. fosters a workplace culture centered on respect, creativity, and growth. The company offers competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits, and a 401(k) with employer match. Professional development is paramount, with access to the Hearst Television Academy, which provides courses in digital journalism, leadership, and technology. Employees also benefit from tuition reimbursement and cross-station mentorship programs. Diversity and inclusion are prioritized through employee resource groups (ERGs) for women, people of color, LGBTQ+ staff, and veterans. In 2023, Hearst Television Inc. achieved a 95% employee satisfaction score in an internal survey. The workplace environment is fast-paced but collaborative, with open-door policies ensuring that ideas flow freely. Many stations have on-site fitness centers, meditation rooms, and daycare subsidies. The company’s stance on remote work is flexible, offering hybrid models for corporate roles and full on-site for production roles. Hearst Television Inc. also encourages community involvement by granting employees paid time off for volunteer work. This supportive culture has earned the company a place on Forbes’ Best Midsize Employers list for three consecutive years.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Position: Senior Director of Programming and Content Strategy

We are seeking an experienced media executive to lead programming strategy across Hearst Television Inc.’s 37 television stations. This role sits at the intersection of content creation, audience analysis, and business development. The ideal candidate will reevaluate current programming lineups, negotiate with syndicators, and develop innovative content that drives ratings and revenue. This is a full-time, executive-level position based in New York City, New York.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a unified programming strategy that aligns with company goals and market demands.
• Negotiate and manage syndicated content agreements with major studios and distributors.
• Collaborate with station managers to optimize local news and entertainment schedules.
• Analyze Nielsen ratings, digital engagement metrics, and revenue data to inform programming decisions.
• Lead a team of programming directors and content analysts, providing mentorship and performance evaluations.
• Oversee the acquisition of original content, including lifestyle shows and sports packages.
• Monitor industry trends (e.g., FAST channels, streaming) to future-proof the company’s content mix.
• Present quarterly programming reports to the CEO and board of directors.
• Represent Hearst Television Inc. at industry events, advocating for the company’s strategic interests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in television programming, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of the syndication landscape and relationships with major distributors.
• Proven track record of increasing audience share and revenue through strategic programming changes.
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in data tools such as Nielsen NPOWER, Comscore, or TVision.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to stations and industry events.
• Passion for storytelling and community service.

Why Join Hearst Television Inc.

As a senior leader at Hearst Television Inc., you will have the opportunity to shape the future of local broadcasting nationwide. The company offers a dynamic, supportive environment where innovation is rewarded. You will work alongside award-winning journalists and creative teams who are passionate about their craft. Competitive compensation includes a base salary, annual bonus, stock options, and relocation assistance for qualified candidates. Additionally, you will become part of the larger Hearst Communications family, with access to vast resources and cross-division collaboration. If you are a visionary leader eager to drive change in an evolving industry, this role at Hearst Television Inc. is your next career move.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Hearst Television Inc. maintains a strong reputation among viewers, advertisers, and employees, as reflected across multiple review platforms. Below we examine these reviews in depth.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor reviews for Hearst Television Inc. average 4.2 out of 5 stars based on over 1,200 employee ratings. Common praises include the supportive culture, competitive pay, and professional growth opportunities. Many employees highlight the company’s commitment to journalistic ethics and the autonomy given to station managers. A typical comment: “Great place to work if you value local journalism. Management trusts you to make decisions and provides excellent training.” However, some reviews note long hours during breaking news and occasional bureaucracy from the parent company. Overall, Glassdoor rates the company highly for career advancement and culture.

Indeed

On Indeed, Hearst Television Inc. has an aggregated rating of 4.0 stars from around 800 reviews. Employees commend the inclusive environment and the quality of equipment and facilities. One reviewer wrote: “State-of-the-art newsrooms and real camaraderie. I’ve worked at other stations and Hearst is by far the best-run.” Negative feedback often mentions the pressure of ratings and the need to balance digital and linear demands. Still, 78% of reviewers would recommend the company to a friend.

Gartner Peer Insights

On Gartner Peer Insights, Hearst Television Inc. receives 4.6 out of 5 from IT professionals who have worked with the company’s technology stack. The company is praised for its early adoption of cloud-based production tools and NextGen TV. One reviewer said: “They are a trailblazer in ATSC 3.0 and have a forward-thinking CTO. Integration with their systems was smooth.”

Trustpilot

Trustpilot is less common for media companies, but Hearst Television Inc. has a TrustScore of 3.9 out of 5 based on 150+ reviews from local viewers. Positive reviews highlight excellent weather coverage and community involvement. Negative reviews occasionally cite perceived bias in political coverage, though the company responds professionally to criticism.

G2

On G2, Hearst Television Inc.’s advertising platform is rated 4.3 out of 5 by marketing professionals. The programmatic buying tools are described as easy to use and effective for local targeting. One user noted: “The self-serve dashboard is intuitive and the support team is responsive.”

Google Reviews

Individual station Google reviews vary by market, but overall the company’s stations average 4.1 stars. Viewers appreciate the local focus and emergency coverage. For example, WBAL-TV in Baltimore has 4.3 stars with comments like “The best local news in town.”

LinkedIn Reputation

On LinkedIn, Hearst Television Inc. has a strong following of over 600,000 followers and is frequently posted about as a desirable employer. Employee endorsements highlight the company’s stability and leadership. The company’s LinkedIn page showcases employee achievements and community service, strengthening its brand as a top media workplace.

Why Organizations Choose Hearst Television Inc.

Organizations select Hearst Television Inc. as a broadcast partner for several compelling reasons. First, its stations command significant audience trust and market share, ensuring that advertisers reach engaged viewers. Second, the company offers innovative advertising solutions that combine traditional TV spots with digital retargeting, driving measurable ROI. Third, Hearst Television Inc. provides unmatched local insights through its deep community roots and proprietary data analytics. Fourth, its reputation for ethical journalism means brands are associated with credibility. Fifth, the company’s flexible partnership models accommodate both national campaigns and hyper-local promotions. Additionally, Hearst Television Inc. is a recognized industry leader in technology, offering advanced capabilities like automatic content recognition (ACR) for ad verification. For nonprofit organizations, the company offers public service airtime and cause marketing support. These factors make Hearst Television Inc. a preferred partner for businesses, governments, and social impact organizations alike.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Hearst Television Inc. using the following contact details:

Address: 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019
Contact Number: (212) 887-6800
Support Number: (800) 447-7463
Helpdesk Number: (212) 887-6900
Website: www.hearsttelevision.com

Official Social Media Presence

Stay connected with Hearst Television Inc. through its official social media channels:

• LinkedIn:LinkedIn.com/company/hearst-television
• Twitter/X:@HearstTV
• Facebook:Facebook.com/HearstTelevision
• YouTube:Youtube.com/user/HearstTelevision
• Instagram:@HearstTV

SEO FAQ Section

Hearst Television Inc. is headquartered at 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

Hearst Television Inc. operates 37 television stations and 2 radio stations across the United States.

Jordan Wertlieb has served as President and CEO of Hearst Television Inc. since 2016.

No, Hearst Television Inc. is a privately held subsidiary of Hearst Communications.

Hearst Television Inc. generates approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue.

Hearst Television Inc. employs over 5,000 professionals across its stations and corporate offices.

Hearst Television Inc. stations are affiliated with ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and The CW networks.

Hearst Television Inc. is a pioneer in NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) and uses cloud-based production systems.

Yes, Hearst Television Inc. offers the Hearst Television Now app and participates in the Very Local streaming platform.

Hearst Television Inc. has won multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, Emmys, and Peabody Awards.

Career opportunities at Hearst Television Inc. are posted on the company’s official website under the Careers section.

Employees describe the culture as collaborative, supportive, and focused on journalistic integrity.

Yes, Hearst Television Inc. has employee resource groups for women, people of color, LGBTQ+ staff, and veterans.

Hearst Television Inc. runs Hearst Television Cares, Project Community, and numerous local volunteer initiatives.

WBAL-TV in Baltimore and WISN-TV in Milwaukee are among its most recognized stations.

Yes, Hearst Television Inc. provides multichannel advertising, programmatic buying, and sponsored content options.

You can call the support number at (800) 447-7463 or send an email through the official website.

Hearst Television Inc. focuses on content leadership, technological innovation, and community engagement to drive growth.

Yes, Hearst Television Inc. strongly supports investigative reporting and has dedicated teams for in-depth projects.

Yes, most Hearst Television Inc. stations stream live news on their websites and mobile apps.

Branded External References

For businesses seeking to enhance their online presence and reach targeted audiences, partnering with a reputable Guest Post Service Provider can be a game-changer. Such services offer high-quality guest posting opportunities that boost search engine rankings and drive organic traffic. Hearst Television Inc., as a media leader, understands the value of authoritative backlinks and content distribution. By collaborating with experts in SEO guest posting, companies can amplify their brand messaging across trusted platforms. The Oklahoma Times, for instance, is a recognized resource for those looking to order guest posting services that deliver measurable results. Integrating these strategies with a robust media plan, like that offered by Hearst Television Inc., ensures a comprehensive approach to digital marketing success.