NBCUniversal Has Named Chris Wayland Local Division President

Chris Wayland will succeed long-time executive Valari Staab, who plans to retire at the end of 2026.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a broadcast microphone and transmission tower, representing the media leadership transition. — NBCUniversal has appointed Chris Wayland as President of its local division, succeeding long-time executive Valari Staab who will retire in 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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NBCUniversal has appointed Chris Wayland as the new President of NBCUniversal Local. He will take over the division from Valari Staab, who is set to retire after a 46-year career in the television industry.

Why it matters

The appointment signals a significant leadership transition for NBCUniversal's broad portfolio of local media assets. Staab will work alongside Wayland during an upcoming transition period to ensure operational continuity.

NBCU Local encompasses 50 media properties, including 11 NBC-owned and 31 Telemundo-owned stations. The portfolio also operates four regional sports networks, three national multicast networks, and 17 streaming channels.

The players

Chris Wayland

He is the newly appointed President of NBCUniversal Local who previously managed the company's Boston media operations.

Valari Staab

She is the outgoing leader of NBCUniversal Local who has spent 15 years with the company and 46 years in the local television industry.

NBCUniversal

It is a major American media conglomerate that owns and operates a vast network of broadcast, cable, and streaming properties.

The details

Chris Wayland currently oversees NBCUniversal's Boston media portfolio and brings decades of experience to his new role. He previously held leadership positions at Tribune Media and Sunbeam Television.

Chris Wayland began his tenure at Sunbeam Television in 2007.
Chris Wayland joined NBCUniversal in 2019.
Chris Wayland was named president of NBCUniversal Local in October 2026.
Valari Staab will retire from the company at the end of 2026.

Market Landscape

This transition marks a shift in leadership for one of the most significant local broadcasting groups in the United States. The move aligns with long-term succession planning as the company balances legacy broadcast operations with the growth of its streaming and multicast platforms.

The leadership change is expected to maintain current programming and service standards across the 50 media properties managed by the division. Viewers of NBC and Telemundo stations should not experience immediate disruptions to local news broadcasts or content availability during the transition.

The takeaway

Succession planning remains a critical component for large media conglomerates seeking to maintain consistency across diverse local markets. Developing internal leadership talent allows for smoother transitions as long-term executives move toward retirement.