DALLAS — She has served as SVP/GM of FOX Television Stations‘ two Dallas-Fort Worth broadcast properties since 1997, and has been with the company since 1995.
Her final day in the role is Friday, FTS has confirmed.
What does this mean for FOX-affiliated KDFW-4 and co-owned KDFI-27? “An internal and external search” is on for the successor to Kathy Saunders.
“It has been my honor and privilege to manage FOX Television Stations from ‘fledgling’ network status to the dynamic broadcasting company it is today,” Saunders said. “Working for [FOX TV Stations CEO] 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 … 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.”
Abernethy thanked Saunders “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. 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.”
Saunders joined the FOX Television Stations as Vice President and General Manager of WFXT-25 in Boston. However, she enjoyed an earlier stint in Dallas, as VP/GSM of KDAF-TV, where she rose to VP/GM of the CW Network affiliate. She has also been General Sales Manager, rising from National Sales Manager, at WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh.
Saunders, who began her career in broadcasting as an Account Executive for KCTV-5 in Kansas City, was named Texas Association of Broadcasters’ (TAB) Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 2022. She is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, a member of the North Texas Final Four Local Organizing Committee Board of Directors, and member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB).
Saunders has also received multiple awards from the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM).
