Sinclair Names Jeff Blackburn Chairman and CEO of Tennis Channel

Former Amazon Executive to Lead Network’s Continued Growth and Innovation

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sinclair Inc. today announced that veteran media and technology executive Jeff Blackburn has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Channel. In this role, Blackburn will lead the network’s strategic growth as well as its expansion across digital, streaming and global platforms.

Blackburn joins Sinclair following a storied 24-year career at Amazon, where he was the prime architect of the company’s expansion into streaming and sports, and instrumental in building some of the company’s most successful businesses, including Prime Video, Amazon Studios, Amazon Music, and Amazon’s advertising and marketplace divisions. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Global Media and Entertainment at Amazon, overseeing the company’s entire media portfolio.

“Jeff’s appointment marks a pivotal step in our strategy to accelerate Tennis Channel’s growth and unlock long-term value across Sinclair’s portfolio,” said Chris Ripley, President and CEO of Sinclair Inc. “With a track record of driving innovation and scaling multibillion-dollar media businesses, Jeff brings the strategic vision and operational expertise to expand our digital footprint, deepen audience engagement, and capitalize on global sports and streaming trends. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow Tennis Channel’s distribution and expand its direct-to-consumer offering, further establishing Tennis Channel as a global, always-on destination for fans across every screen and platform.”

During his tenure at Amazon, Blackburn led high-profile initiatives such as the launch of Thursday Night Football on Prime which won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Interactive Broadcast in its debut year, and the development and launch of break-through TV series that won multiple Emmys including Transparent, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag, and The Boys. He also played a pivotal role in Amazon’s acquisition and full integration of MGM to create Amazon MGM Studios. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Roku Inc., DoorDash Inc., and UTR Sports.

“Tennis Channel is a sports treasure,” said Blackburn. “It’s beloved by fans of the game, allowing for large growth opportunities ahead in streaming as well as new initiatives like Pickleball. Since childhood I've been intensely passionate about tennis, so I’m thrilled to take on the role and join this outstanding team.”

Prior to his Media and Entertainment leadership roles, Blackburn worked in Operations, Retail and Corporate and Business Development at Amazon. He began his career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank, where he oversaw Amazon’s IPO in 1997. Blackburn holds a degree in Government and Economics from Dartmouth College, and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Tennis Channel (www.tennischannel.com) and its sibling network TennisChannel 2, which are owned by Sinclair, Inc., are the only television-based multiplatform destinations dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle. The networks have the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television in one of the world’s most voluminous sports, with multiple men’s and women’s tournaments and singles, doubles and mixed competition throughout the year. Tennis Channel and TennisChannel 2 are the exclusive U.S. homes of all men’s ATP World Tour and women’s WTA Tour competitions, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and Laver Cup. The network’s app and website house a direct-to-consumer streaming service with the traditional television network and 10,000 hours of live and on-demand matches beside original content. Tennis Channel International brings live competition and network content to markets in Europe and Asia via digital subscription and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. Additional platform www.tennis.com is the largest digital outlet dedicated to the sport. Tennis Channel is also a co-owner of Pickleballtv, a joint venture with the Professional Pickleball Association.

About Sinclair

Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; and owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, ROAR and The Nest. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net

Category: General