Sinclair names Shapiro to new role in sports

Sinclair Broadcast Group is continuing the executive leadership transition for its sports assets, expanding the duties of company veteran and current chief development officer Scott Shapiro to also include a newly created role of chief strategy officer for sports.

Shapiro, with Sinclair since 2011, will be responsible for managing and executing large strategic initiatives for the company’s sports assets, and working with the individual leadership teams for the company’s portfolio of regional sports networks, as well as Stadium and the Tennis Channel.

He will also serve as a key liaison with team and league partners, particularly during rights acquisitions and renewals, and report to Chris Ripley, Sinclair president and chief executive.

“Scott has been a key contributor to transforming Sinclair into a diversified media company and help to acquire the largest portfolio of local sports in the country,” Ripley said.

The expansion of Shapiro’s duties follows Sinclair’s naming earlier this month of Steve Rosenberg as president of local sports.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to unlock additional value across our professional, college, and high school franchises, and we are fortunate to be creating and distributing some of the most engaging content across the country,” Shapiro said.

Shapiro also represents Sinclair as a board member for Stadium and RNSs the YES Network and Marquee Sports Network, among other ventures.