For more than a quarter century, she led the FOX Television Stations pair serving the Dallas-Fort Worth market, retiring at the end of June 2023. Now, many across the broadcast television industry are mourning her sudden passing at her home in California.
Kathy Saunders, who spent 28 years as SVP/General Manager of FOX-affiliated KDFW-4 and co-owned KDFI-27 in North Texas, died Wednesday (3/26), RBR+TVBR has learned.
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).
“Throughout her life, Kathy coveted professionalism, innovation, and loyalty,” says an official statement distributed Friday on behalf of FOX Television Stations. “She helped launch the careers of hundreds of broadcasting professionals and championed the vital role of local television and the lifesaving information that her industry provides. She was a fierce competitor, a tough negotiator, and took tremendous pride in seeing those around her succeed. She had a great sense of humor, a near-photographic memory, and a larger-than-life presence.”
Funeral arrangements are still in progress.
