Sally Brown named general manager of South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND — Sally Brown, a broadcast executive with more than a quarter-century experience in the Michiana market, has been named general manager of the South Bend Tribune.

Schurz Communications, parent company of the Tribune, on Monday announced the appointment of Brown, the former president and general manager at WSBT Television and Radio. Brown, who will take over day-to-day oversight of the Tribune, will start on Friday.

"We could not be more excited that Sally is re-joining our company," said Todd Schurz, chief executive officer of Schurz Communications. "Sally successfully ran our radio and TV stations, including their digital operations, for many years and is a recognized multimedia leader. Sally has deep ties to the Michiana community."

Brown worked at several stations before joining Schurz Communications in 1987 as a radio account executive. She was promoted to WSBT Radio Group sales manager in 1992. She was later promoted again to vice president and general manager of WSBT Radio Group. In 2010, she was promoted to president and general manager of both WSBT Radio and Television, where she served until mid-February.

Schurz recently sold all of its TV and radio properties.

"I'm deeply honored that Schurz Communications has given me the opportunity to serve the great staff at the South Bend Tribune, and to continue to serve our local community in this important capacity," Brown said. "The South Bend Tribune serves a vital role in pulling this community together and keeping us all connected to one another in a way that only it can do."

Brown will report to Cory Bollinger, vice president of publishing for Schurz, who will also take on statewide publisher duties for the company's Indiana newspapers. 

The Tribune's former publisher, Kim Wilson, left the company in March.

Bollinger said Brown will bring to the Tribune "a track record of innovation, excellence and customer focus. She's well-known and trusted in the community, and that makes her a perfect fit for the area's most trusted and well-known multimedia company."

In December, Brown was recognized by the Indiana Broadcasters Association with the Tom Severino Leadership Award.

"Sally achieves the Grand Slam in local media, adding print to her already strong arsenal of video, audio and digital solutions her teams have been delivering to customers in Michiana for decades," said Kerry Oslund, senior vice president of publishing and emerging media for Schurz.