He’s been with FOX Television Stations since 1991 and in the role of President of Ad Sales for the group since 1997. Now, he’s preparing for retirement, with an internal and external search ready to commence to find his successor.
As July concludes, so will the long tenure at FOX Television Stations for Jim Burke.
“After 43 years in local broadcast sales, 32 of which have been with Fox Television Stations, I have decided to retire,” he said. “My time here at FTS has been rewarding and working with such a talented group of people has been a true privilege. I’m thankful to Jack Abernethy for all his support over the years and although I look forward to this next chapter, I will sincerely miss all of the incredible relationships I have made during my tenure.”
Commenting on Burke’s retirement, FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy shared, “Over the past 32 years, Jim Burke has been responsible for billions of dollars of local sales, probably more than anyone else in the history of local TV. During his extraordinary career here at FOX, Jim has earned the trust and admiration of his colleagues and led a meritocracy with a training program that has produced countless General Managers and sales executives.”
Burke has spent 43 years in local broadcast sales, 32 of which have been with the FOX Television Stations. At his time at FOX, Burke in October 2002, he created the FOX Stations Sales training program with Joe Oulvey and Liz Pritchard,resulting in over 80 people transitioning into permanent sales roles with FOX, many into senior leadership positions. In February 2021, Burke launched FOX Local Extension (FLX) with Michael Page and Tom Fleming to jumpstart FOX Local digital sales efforts.
Before 1997, Burke served as the Vice President and General Manager of the FOX-owned duopoly in Los Angeles — KTTV-11 and KCOP-13.
Before that, Burke served as General Sales Manager at the FOX-owned duopoly in Washington, D.C.: WTTG-5 and WDCA-20, where he was quickly promoted to Vice President and General Manager. Previously, Burke held the roles of Local Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, and Director of Sales for KCBS-2 in Los Angeles and CBS National Sales in New York City.
Burke began his career in broadcasting working for Blair TV NYC in Research and as an Account Executive.
