Sinclair Broadcast Group has named Jim Lapiana general manager of Pittsburgh FOX affiliate WPGH and MyNetworkTV affiliate WPMY.

“I am thrilled and excited to lead the stations and serve in a higher capacity,” Lapiana said in a statement. “The stations are an integral part of the Pittsburgh community, and I look forward to continuing our focus of meeting viewers’ needs and helping our local businesses spread their messages.”

Lapiana, who succeeds group manager Alan Frank, was the director of sales for the two Pittsburgh stations.  Before coming to WPGH in 2001, he served as general manager of WPXT in Portland, ME. From 1994 to 1998 , he was general manager of WRDC and WLFL in Raleigh-Durham, NC.

“We are excited to promote Jim and provide him this opportunity in Pittsburgh,” said Sinclair chief operating officer, Steve Marks. “During his years at the stations, Jim has led the sales effort and more recently assumed station management responsibilities as Alan’s role in the Company expanded. We look forward to building on his successes.”

[Broadcasting & Cable]