WABC named Debra O’Connell as the station’s new vice president and general manager. She’s a longtime advertising executive and served as Disney-ABC’s consolidated advertising group for the past year.
“Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a results-oriented and entrepreneurial approach to the business of broadcasting, and we are confident that her valuable management expertise, strong relationships and deep dedication to the local community make her ideally suited for the top job at our flagship station,” said Wendy McMahon, president of the ABC owned station group.
O’Connell has been with the company for 20 years. She served as president of National TV Sales for ABC owned station group from 2014-2017.O’Connell joined ABC’s television division in 1999 after working at ABC Radio in Sales and Marketing.
“It is a wonderful privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the exceptional team at WABC. I have a true passion for local television, its connection to the community and the people we serve. Year after year, our viewers have made Channel 7 the most watched station in New York and the nation, and we will continue to earn their trust by always delivering the best local news coverage in the market,” O’Connell said.
This is her second stint at the ABC flagship. O’Connell previously served as vice president of marketing of WABC. She begins her new role with immediately.