Full Breakdown
New Leadership at Pittsburgh's Sinclair Broadcast Group Stations
4/15/2026, 2:48:14 PM
Transition in Management
Pittsburgh's Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned television stations, WPGH and WPNT, have appointed Tim McCoy as their new general manager. McCoy, who previously served as the general manager at Sinclair's WTOV in Steubenville, Ohio, will oversee both Pittsburgh stations and the Steubenville outlet. This management change was announced to staff on Tuesday, marking the end of Rich Cook's long tenure as general manager, as his position was eliminated in favor of a dual-market role.
McCoy brings 32 years of experience from WTOV, where he navigated multiple ownership changes, including the station's acquisition by Sinclair in 2013. He acknowledges the significant transition from Steubenville, ranked as the 163rd television market, to Pittsburgh, which is the 28th. McCoy emphasized the importance of collaboration with the existing staff at WPGH and WPNT, stating, “I’m relying on them to help me come up with ideas and execute them.”
Focus on Local Programming
McCoy's management style is characterized by a collaborative approach, which he plans to implement at the Pittsburgh stations. He mentioned the establishment of a "disruptors" group at WTOV that encourages staff to pitch innovative ideas. This collaborative spirit has already led to successful local programming, such as the cooking podcast “Cooking up a Storm,” which recently celebrated its 100th episode.
In addition to local content, McCoy aims to enhance synergy among Sinclair's regional stations. He noted that talent from various Sinclair outlets, including WPGH and WTOV, will participate in upcoming programs. “We like the synergy of all the stations doing things together,” McCoy remarked, expressing hope for more collaborative projects in the future.
Impact on Talent Development
McCoy highlighted the role of WTOV in nurturing talent for larger markets, stating that many on-air personalities currently working in Pittsburgh began their careers at WTOV. This focus on talent development is a point of pride for McCoy, who believes that even as a smaller market, WTOV does not compromise on quality.
Official Statements & Responses
Tim McCoy expressed his commitment to local programming and collaboration, stating, “Our calling card is developing people at TOV for other markets. We’re very proud of that.” He also acknowledged the existing relationship with WPXI, which produces newscasts for WPGH, emphasizing the importance of these partnerships in enhancing content delivery.
What's Next
As McCoy transitions into his new role, he plans to split his time between the facilities in Pittsburgh and Steubenville, focusing on fostering local programming and collaboration among Sinclair's regional stations. His leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to WPGH and WPNT, with an emphasis on community engagement and innovative content.
