There have only been four president and general managers in the history of Hearst-owed WCVB.
Bill Fine was the fourth—and now it’s time for him to step away from TV.
This week, Fine announced he’ll be retiring from the flagship Boston station after a long career that started in the 1970s as a sports anchor.
“Bill has been a trusted colleague, mentor and friend for more than 25 years,” said Hearst Television president Jordan Wertlieb. “He has been an instrumental force in our company and the industry with an unmatched passion and knowledge for broadcasting. Over the term of his entire career, his leadership and influence have left an indelible legacy on WBAL, WCVB and many of our company’s current and future leaders.”
As the general manager, Fine has led the station to many award victories. The station has won the regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence 11 of the past 13 years, with two National Murrow Overall Excellence wins. WCVB has also won the National Headliner Award for Best Newscast in the country four of the past five years as well as the New England Emmy for Best Newscast nine of the last 11 years.
Fine was named 2016 Broadcaster of the Year by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association. In 2013 he was designated General Manager of the Year (top 25 markets) by Broadcasting & Cable magazine and was named to the Boston Business Journal’s inaugural Power 50 list of most influential Bostonians.
Fine is a Massachusetts native and summa cum laude graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcasting and film.
He hasn’t named an exact retirement date.