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.
Viewpoint: The wide world of the TV sports business
Sports programming continues to be a core part of the linear TV business — which raises questions about what happens to the business when sports moves to streaming.
By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
Viewpoint: At NAB Show, AI moves from hype to newsroom reality
Artificial intelligence was on everyone's mind at NAB Show this year; vendors took that opportunity to pitch their various AI-powered broadcast solutions.
By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
Viewpoint: What happens next for Nexstar and TEGNA?
Will Nexstar be forced to make some compromises to settle a federal antitrust lawsuit and finally close on its merger with TEGNA? Or will the deal collapse?
By:
Kirk Varner
OPINION
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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