For 10 1/2 years, he’s served as SVP/GM of FOX Television Stations two stations serving the Chicago market. This veteran broadcast TV leader has been with FOX for 26 years. Now, Dennis Welsh is retiring at the end of June.
As such, an internal and external search will take place for his successor at WFLD “FOX 32” and WPWR “My50” in Chicago.
“After 40 years in television, it is time for my next journey, which will include lots of travelling with my wife, Kellie,” he said late Wednesday (6/14). Spending the last 26 years in five different leadership roles at FOX Television Stations (FTS) has been the thrill of a lifetime. I’m thankful to [CEO] Jack Abernethy who offered me the amazing opportunity to lead two different FOX TV Stations and for all his support over the years. Spending the last ten years working with such a passionate and talented group focused on serving the Chicago community has been a true privilege. Although I look forward to the road ahead, I will sincerely miss all of the incredible relationships formed over a wonderful 26-year career with FTS.”
Abernethy thanked Welsh “for his hard work and dedication to FOX Television Stations over the past 26 years,” adding, “His extensive knowledge of the broadcast industry and strategic approach to our business made him a valuable asset to FTS and he will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
After a stint with Branham Newspaper Sales in New York, Welsh began his broadcast television career as a Sales Account Executive for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh under Westinghouse. He then moved to Philadelphia for a position as National Sales Representative position at MMT Sales. Welsh then held various sales management roles at WPGH-TV/WPTT-TV in Pittsburgh, WLWT-5 in Cincinnati under Multimedia, and WPRI-TV in Providence under Clear Channel.
His first FOX TV Stations role was as VP/GSM of WJW-TV in Cleveland.
At FOX, Welsh also served as VP/Director of Sales for the thennewly created FTS National Sales Organization “Fox Stations Sales (FSS),” working from New York. He then took on the role as VP/Director of Sales for KDFW-TV and KDFI-TV in Dallas, as well as Director of Sales for FOX Sports Net Southwest — then largest regional sports network in the country. Welsh was then promoted to VP/General Manager of WOFL-TV/WRBW-TV in Orlando.
