Tribune Co., which owns 24 stations across the country including WPIX in New York and WGN in Chicago, announced today that its board of directors has appointed Eddy Hartenstein, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, as president and CEO.

“The board feels strongly that it is in Tribune’s best interests to have one person providing strategic vision and day-to-day direction for the company and its employees as we prepare to emerge from the Chapter 11 process,” said Sam Zell, Tribune’s chairman, in announcing the move.  “Eddy is a gifted executive—he knows our operations, understands how technology is changing the media industry, and can help the company capitalize on those changes to continue achieving meaningful financial results.”

Hartenstein will continue to serve as publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Times.  Before joining Tribune, Hartenstein served as chairman and CEO of DirecTV.

“Tribune’s unique mix of broadcasting, publishing and digital assets, along with its forward-looking technology group, positions the company well for success,” said Hartenstein.