Nexstar Puts National Advertising in Lanzano’s Hands
Nexstar Media Group is doubling down on its national advertising ambitions, promoting Dan Lanzano to the newly created role of President of National Advertising Sales. Lanzano, who joined the company in early 2024, will now spearhead all national advertising initiatives across Nexstar’s sprawling portfolio, including CW Sports, CW Entertainment, NewsNation, Antenna TV, Rewind TV, and more.
This move signals Nexstar’s intent to sharpen its focus on national monetization as it juggles a diverse lineup of broadcast, digital, and streaming assets amid rising competition from tech-led platforms.
A Seat at the Revenue Helm
Lanzano will report directly to Nexstar President and COO Michael Biard and operate from the company’s New York City office. His expanded remit includes not just national spot and political ad sales, but also research operations, paid media, direct response advertising, and monetization strategy across Nexstar’s networks.
If it’s a revenue lever—Lanzano’s pulling it.
“Dan has had a terrific impact on our national sales efforts since joining Nexstar in early 2024,” said Biard. “He’s not just a dynamic leader—he’s a strategic thinker who understands how to meet partners where they are, regardless of the platform.”
A Proven Closer in a Fragmented Landscape
Lanzano brings nearly two decades of advertising experience to the table, with a reputation for stitching together agency and client partnerships across both linear and emerging media. His resume includes a 12-year stretch at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he most recently served as VP of Advertising Sales, managing monetization efforts across WBD’s massive content ecosystem—from cable and digital to sports and streaming (including Max).
Before that, he held senior sales roles at Turner and Warner Media, helping guide the transformation of traditional ad sales into cross-platform, data-informed operations.
At Nexstar, Lanzano has already been instrumental in navigating upfront and scatter markets for CW Sports, crafting sponsorship packages, and analyzing media rights deals.
Why This Matters
With this promotion, Nexstar isn’t just moving pieces on a chessboard—it’s declaring a strategy. As the media landscape splinters into niches, platforms, and fast-changing audience behaviors, national brands need flexible, cross-platform reach. Nexstar, with its blend of national TV, digital, multicast, and political ad inventory, is betting on Lanzano to deliver a unified front.
For advertisers seeking scale without sacrificing targeting or brand safety, Nexstar’s model—especially when paired with Lanzano’s sales savvy—offers an attractive alternative to fragmented buys across streaming and digital-only ecosystems.
“A Tremendous Advantage”
“Nexstar’s unique portfolio of national media assets, supported by its unrivaled local broadcast footprint, gives us a tremendous advantage over the competition,” Lanzano said. “We can serve clients with bespoke cross-platform solutions tailored to their needs.”
He’s stepping into the role at a time when advertisers are demanding smarter, more accountable spending—and media companies are under pressure to prove they can deliver. With this appointment, Nexstar is signaling it’s ready to play at the top tier of national ad sales.
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