Mission Broadcasting, Inc., a television broadcasting company founded in 1996, acquires, develops, and operates television stations and interactive community Websites in medium-sized markets in the United States. Its stations provide programming to its markets’ viewing audiences via cable or satellite services or over-the-air to those who utilize a television antenna. The company currently owns broadcast television stations in 26 markets across the country and has network affiliation agreements with ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and MyNetwork.
Mission Statement: To provide local content that entertains, educates and informs our viewers in the communities we serve.
Senior Leadership
Nancie J. Smith, Chairwoman
Mission Broadcasting was founded in 1996 by Nancie and her husband, David. David Smith was career broadcaster and Nancie had experience on the research side of the advertising agency business. In the early years of its existence, Mission owned only a few television stations at any given time, but the group grew to stations in 12 television markets with the acquisition of VHR Broadcasting in 2003 and the purchase of WTVO, the ABC affiliate in Rockford, IL in 2004. Nancie became the majority shareholder and Chairwoman of the company in 2011 after the untimely death of her husband. Ms. Smith continues to take an active role in Mission; the company currently owns 26 full-power TV stations in 26 U.S. markets. Nancie works with several charitable organizations focused on feeding the hungry and serving the church.
Dennis P. Thatcher, President
Mission Broadcasting hired Dennis in the fall of 2004. His 40 + year career in the industry began in the mid 1970’s in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. During his first ten years in the business, he held sales and sales management positions in both radio and television stations; in 1985, he launched an independent station, WOIO-TV, in Cleveland and was named its Vice President & the General Manager (later it became a Fox affiliate and eventually a CBS affiliate). He also has served as a Regional Group Vice President for Malrite Communications Group and Senior Vice President & Regional Manager for Paxson Communication (where he oversaw 18 television stations). Mr. Thatcher joined Mission as Executive Vice President & COO and he became its President & Treasurer in 2011.
Sharon Moser, Vice President
Sharon Moser joined Mission in August 2015; her rich background covers thirty-years of accounting experience in several industries. The focus of her career has been on television business which includes twelve years at the station level and ten years in corporate accounting for the Irving, TX based, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. A Texas native, Sharon earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.
Lance Carwile, Vice President
Lance Carwile joined Mission in August of 2017; his broadcast background covers over thirty-five years of television experience, including twenty years as a station Program Director. In addition, Lance worked as a Group Program Coordinator and Regional Program Director for LIN Media, Media General and Nexstar Broadcasting. He is a Columbus, Ohio native and he earned his bachelor’s degree in film/television from The Ohio State University.