Kathy Saunders, senior vice president and general manager of Fox-owned Dallas duopoly KDFW and KDFI has just announced she will retire at the end of June.
Saunders has been the gm at the station since 1997 and with the Fox Television Stations since 1995.
“It has been my honor and privilege to manage Fox Television Stations from ‘fledgling’ network status to the dynamic broadcasting company it is today,” said Saunders. “Working for Jack Abernethy was never dull. He is a true leader in the industry who pushes his managers to work and think outside of their comfort zone to produce creative results. I have loved watching the Dallas-Fort Worth market grow over the years, along with KDFW Fox 4 and KDFI 27. Overseeing the development of this group of broadcast professionals has definitely been the highlight of my career. I will miss this wonderful team, but look forward to the next chapter.”
Saunders joined the Fox Television Stations as vp and gm of WFXT in Boston when it was owned by the station group. Before that, she was vp and general sales manager at KDAF in Dallas and was promoted to vice president and general manager. She’s also worked as a national sales manager for WPGH in Pittsburgh and was later promoted to general sales manager. Saunders began her career in broadcasting as an account executive for KCTV in Kansas City, Missouri.
“We would like to thank Kathy for the tremendous job she has done in Dallas for the past 26 years, and as an invaluable veteran of both news and sales for FTS for 28 years,” said Jack Abernethy, chief executive officer of Fox Television Stations. “A truly great leader, she leaves a talented team, and decisive as ever, we laughed when she gave us four days notice. We will miss her. We wish Kathy nothing but the best in her retirement.”