Hearst Television names Chris Plourde vice president of strategy and distribution

Hearst Television has hired longtime Tegna executive Chris Plourde as vice president of strategy and distribution, bringing more than two decades of experience in broadcast distribution, financial planning and corporate development to the station group.

Based in New York, New York, Plourde will report to John Robertson, Hearst Television’s senior vice president of strategy and distribution. His responsibilities will include developing strategic partnerships involving content distribution and technology, as well as supporting relationships with television networks and multichannel video programming distributors.

Plourde joins Hearst after 20 years at Tegna, where he most recently served as vice president of financial planning and analysis.

During his tenure at Tegna, Plourde worked on distribution agreements, network affiliation negotiations and corporate development initiatives. His responsibilities included financial modeling to support distribution revenue, commercial negotiations and new business opportunities.

He also helped develop financial strategies related to network affiliation agreements and partnerships, experience that will inform his work with Hearst’s distribution and advanced advertising operations.

“Chris brings an extraordinarily distinctive and wide-ranging breadth of experience, and we are fortunate to welcome him to the team,” Robertson said in a statement. “His insight and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to build on our momentum and he will be instrumental in helping drive our relationships with networks and MVPDs, including our advanced advertising partnerships.”

The appointment adds to Hearst Television’s leadership team as local broadcasters continue to manage distribution agreements across traditional pay television platforms while developing new revenue opportunities through streaming and advertising technology.

Distribution negotiations have become an increasingly important component of station group operations, affecting retransmission consent revenue, network relationships and the availability of local programming through cable, satellite and other television services.

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Hearst Television President Michael J. Hayes cited Plourde’s background in financial strategy and distribution as factors in the appointment.

“(Plourde’s) arrival further strengthens what is, without question, the finest strategy and distribution team in the local television business, and positions us to lead Hearst Television boldly into its next generation,” Hayes is quoted as saying.