Tegna Appoints Kurt Rao EVP, Chief Technology and Digital Products Officer

June 16, 2026 - 21:45

Tegna has promoted Kurt Rao to executive vice president and chief technology and digital products officer, placing a longtime company insider in charge of its technology roadmap and digital product strategy. Rao, who has spent more than a decade at the media and broadcasting firm, will oversee all aspects of technology development, infrastructure, and the creation of digital products across Tegna's portfolio of local stations and national platforms.

In his new capacity, Rao is responsible for aligning the company's technical operations with its broader business goals, including the expansion of over-the-air and streaming services. He will lead teams focused on engineering, product management, and software development, working to improve how Tegna delivers news, advertising, and data services to audiences and advertisers.

Rao previously served as senior vice president of technology and digital products, where he helped modernize Tegna's digital infrastructure and launched several streaming and data-driven initiatives. His promotion comes as media companies continue to invest heavily in digital transformation, seeking new revenue streams beyond traditional broadcast advertising.

The appointment signals Tegna's intent to keep technology leadership in-house, relying on an executive already familiar with the company's systems and culture. Rao reports directly to the CEO and will work closely with other senior leaders to integrate technology more deeply into Tegna's content and sales operations.