Mumbai: WABC New York's executive Chad Matthews is named as the president of ABC-owned TV stations, effective immediately. He succeeds Wendy McMahon, who left the company last year to become co-president of CBS News and Stations.
Matthews steps into the role from his position as president and general manager of WABC-TV New York.
In his new role, Matthews will report to Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution president of networks Debra OConnell. He will have chief management responsibility for the eight ABC-owned television stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno.
“Chad is an exceptional leader who has a track record of success, always championing innovative content and storytelling, super serving our viewers with programs that have a meaningful impact on the community overall, and achieving and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence while driving enormous success across linear and digital platforms,” said OConnell in a statement, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. “His strategic vision, passion for local news, forward thinking roll-up your sleeves attitude and commitment to teamwork are among the many attributes that will ensure that under his leadership our Owned Television Stations will continue to thrive.”
Matthews was associated with WABC since 2000. However, he also worked for NBC-owned WTVJ between 2012 and 2017, only to re-join WABC the same year. In this role, he oversaw the entire management for ABC7/WABC-TV and its subsidiary businesses.
"I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead the best station group in the country! The great eight as I like to call it," said Matthews on his new role. "The team members who make up the ABC Owned Stations are the best in the business. Their talents, innovation, perseverance and flexibility are sources of constant inspiration. I am very much looking forward to working with them to further grow the business while continuing to find new ways to super serve our viewers and communities in a way that raises the bar for local television."
