FOX Television Stations is moving ahead with a series of leadership promotions across multiple markets where it has properties, resulting in a new Senior VP and Regional General Manager for its stations in San Francisco and Los Angeles; and in Phoenix and Seattle.
This sees Amber Eikel adding KTVU-2 and KICU-36 in San Francisco to her current role overseeing KTTV-11 and KCOP-13 in Los Angeles.
Eikel’s new role is the direct result of the retirement of current SVP/GM in San Francisco Mellynda Hartel. Hartel, who has been with FOX Television Stations for 35 years, announced her retirement today.
Concurrently, Michael Lewis has been elevated to Sr. VP and Regional General Manager by oversight of Seattle’s KCPQ “FOX 13” and KZJO “FOX 13+” to his current responsibilities as Sr. VP/GM of KSAZ “FOX 10” and KUTP-TV “FOX 10 Xtra” in Phoenix.
Lewis takes duties in Seattle formerly held by Eikel and, before that, Sheila Oliver, who exited for FOX’s Chicago stations in 2023 and retired herself in June 2025.
Both Eikel and Lewis report to CEO Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of FTS.
In making the announcement, Abernethy stated, “We would like to thank Mellynda for her hard work and dedication to FOX over the last 35 years, and congratulate her on a seasoned career of success across many markets. Amber and Mike’s local news expertise have led to consistent high-quality results across multiple stations and their leadership will bring continued growth and innovation across all platforms as they usher in the new era in LA, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix.”
Eikel spent over a decade at KTVU & KICU San Francisco, where she held the roles of Vice President/News Director, Assistant News Director, and Managing Editor. Eikel has also worked as executive producer at KIRO-7 in Seattle and KTNV-13 in Las Vegas. She began her career as a producer, executive producer, and interim news director for KMIR-36 in Palm Springs, Calif.
“Working closely with Mellynda and the accomplished team of KTVU journalists over the last decade has distinctly prepared me to take the reins as I deeply understand the San Francisco market and importance of these legacy stations to the communities they serve,” Eikel said.
Hartel added, “It has been an honor to work for Jack and lead this talented team, and after 35 years with FOX I am ready to pass the baton to Amber, who I trust to continue the tradition of excellence.”
Michael Lewis has been with the FOX Television Stations for over 20 years and is a RBR+TVBR Top Local TV Leader. Since December 2022, he has served as Sr, Vice President and General Manager of the FOX-owned duopoly in Phoenix. Prior to that, Lewis spent eleven years as SVP/General Manager of KTBC-7, the FOX-owned station in Austin.
Lewis said, “I welcome the opportunity to expand my role at this company with a duopoly that has a track record of success in the Seattle market and I look forward to working closely with their tremendous team of journalists to build upon that strength.”
