Hearst Television has brought in a longtime TEGNA corporate executive to help run its dealings with networks and pay-TV distributors. Chris Plourde is the group's new VP of Strategy and Distribution.
Plourde spent 20 years on TEGNA's corporate team, most recently as VP of Financial Planning & Analysis. According to Hearst, his work there covered distribution strategy, corporate development, financial planning and commercial negotiations, including building the financial models behind distribution revenue and leading the financial analysis for network affiliation talks and strategic partnerships.
At Hearst he reports to John Robertson, Senior VP of Strategy & Distribution, and will work on strategic partnerships in distribution and technology. Robertson said Plourde "will be instrumental in helping drive our relationships with networks and MVPDs, including our advanced advertising partnerships."
For readers outside the big groups: MVPDs are the cable, satellite and virtual pay-TV services that carry broadcast signals, and the fees they pay stations for retransmission consent, along with network affiliation terms, are a major revenue line for TV owners. Distribution executives are the people who negotiate those deals.
Hearst Television President Michael J. Hayes said the hire "positions us to lead Hearst Television boldly into its next generation."