Sponsor: Dana Zimmer
There’s no denying that distribution is a challenging profession, but Craig makes it look almost easy, negotiating agreements with more than 175 carriers as well as managing Nexstar’s relationships with DirecTV, Charter, Hulu and Cable One. And twice in five years Craig has helped reposition WGN America—first from a satellite to a cable distribution model and then from a scripted-series primetime network to 24/7 news channel NewsNation. “I have been fortunate to work with Kim from the ground up,” Nexstar Distribution President Dana Zimmer says. “She started with me as an intern and has blossomed into a seasoned executive who is well regarded by her clients and peers alike. I marvel at her ability to assess complicated situations and reach common ground, thereby creating win-wins.” When Craig joined Nexstar as part of the Tribune Media acquisition, she got to work designing a new, optimized system of communication across the 600+ MVPDs distributing Nexstar’s media. She likes the challenge. “Nexstar is a much bigger company than Tribune. We went from representing around 40 stations to almost 200 stations,” she says. “However, despite its size, it continues to maintain its commitment to local programming and content production and support the communities in which they operate. It makes me proud that our efforts on the distribution side help support these local efforts.” Craig cut her teeth at Comcast Networks as National Accounts Director, rising to Senior Director of National Accounts before joining Tribune—first as a consultant, but quickly joining the team full-time. Her best professional advice for others? “Relationships are important—both internally and externally. Being honest, working hard and willing to help others no matter their position benefits everyone.”
“Kimberly is always willing to take on difficult projects. She has terrific problem-solving abilities, is a hard worker, reliable, results-oriented, and well respected amongst her coworkers.”
– Dana Zimmer