Jeff Blackburn Named CEO of Tennis Channel

Jeff Blackburn, a former Amazon executive instrumental in developing Prime Video, Amazon Studios, and Amazon's sports streaming, has been named Chairman and CEO of Tennis Channel by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Blackburn, who retired from Amazon in 2022 and previously considered acquiring Tennis Channel for Amazon, will lead the network's digital, streaming, and direct-to-consumer expansion. He replaces Ken Solomon, who was dismissed by Sinclair last year. Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley praised Blackburn's track record in scaling media businesses and his vision for expanding Tennis Channel's reach. Blackburn, an avid tennis fan, called the role his ideal next step and expressed interest in leveraging opportunities in sports streaming and new areas like Pickleball. The move is viewed as a strategic effort to strengthen Tennis Channel amid changes in the media industry.