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Kirk Varner

Kirk Varner is a semi-retired television professional who most recently served as the news director of Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP (Channel 5) in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He also served in newsroom roles at Sinclair, Inc., Nexstar Media Group and LIN Broadcasting, among others. He is the publisher of the website TVND.com.

ICE agents in Minneapolis

Viewpoint: One week in Minneapolis that local journalists stepped up

In less than one minute, the fateful moments of an ICE agent shooting a woman, recorded from multiple cameras at the scene, would become a defining moment for the nation.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
A stock image of television broadcast towers.

Viewpoint: Is America ready for NextGen TV?

The new digital television broadcast standard comes with a number of improvements for viewers and the industry alike, but Kirk Varner wonders if the juice is worth the squeeze.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
The logo of MS NOW, the cable channel formerly known as MSNBC. (Courtesy image)

Viewpoint: MS NOW is an underwhelming, confusing cable news brand

In his latest column, Kirk Varner questions why brand consultants weren't advised, and notes this isn't the first time an NBC property went through a troublesome brand identity refresh.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
The wordmark of broadcaster Sinclair, Inc. (Graphic by The Desk)

Viewpoint: What does Sinclair’s “strategic review” really involve?

Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley says the company is exploring “strategic opportunities” for its Broadcast division and may separate its Ventures arm, sparking speculation over possible buys and restructuring.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook delivers a keynote address at the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas. (Photo by Kirk Varner)

Viewpoint: When Nexstar and Network cross paths

Nexstar's demand that its local news stations run segments promoting media deregulation feels a bit like the 1970s-era film "Network" come to life, writes Kirk Varner.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
A TV news studio. (Stock image)

Viewpoint: When it comes to local TV news, waste no opportunity

There are many chances to engage with local news audiences — and TV stations cannot afford to pass them up.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
The studios of KUSA-TV in Denver, Colorado, one of over 60 television stations owned by TEGNA. (Photo via Google Street View)

Viewpoint: Can TEGNA’s latest corporate hire save the company?

Kirk Varner wonders if a new C-suite appointment can steer TEGNA in the right direction, or if rockier times for the broadcaster are ahead.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
Reporters from KTLA-TV and other news channels at a press conference in 2014. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons, remixed by The Desk)

Viewpoint: Can local TV news still matter?

In his inaugural column for the website TVND, semi-retired TV news veteran Kirk Varner makes the case that local TV news matters now more than ever.

By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
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