After 24 years with FOX Television Stations, the man in charge of “FOX 10” in the Valley of the Sun is about to retire.
With Mark Rodman stepping aside in Phoenix, who will lead the station come January 2023? Look no further than the Lone Star State’s capital and the man who has led the FOX-owned station in the market since 2011.
Earning the role of SVP/GM of KSAZ-10 and “FOX 10 Xtra,” KUTP-45 (found on Channel 9 on most MVPDs) in Phoenix is Michael Lewis.
He reports to FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy, and shifts from KTBC-7 in Austin.
Abernethy commented first of Rodman’s pending departure from “FOX 10.”
“We would like to thank Mark for his dedication to FOX and congratulate him on a seasoned career of consistent success across multiple markets,” he said, continuing, “It is always fortunate when succession planning allows for the best candidates to come from within, and Mike is a longtime FOX leader who will build upon the tremendous strength of our Phoenix duopoly.”
The succession line for KSAZ may, in fact, involve Austin. Before taking over “FOX 10” and its sibling, Rodman was VP/GM of KTBC, where Lewis is coming from.
Rodman shared, “The past 24 years with FOX Television Stations have been the highlight of my career. I am especially grateful to have worked with an extraordinary group of people under the leadership of Jack Abernethy. I know I am leaving the station in the right hands by passing the torch to Mike, whom I trust to continue the tradition of excellence, just as he did in Austin.”
Lewis has been with the FOX Television Stations for 20 years and succeeded Rodman at KTBC 11 years ago.
Before that, Lewis served as VP/Sales Manager at the FOX-owned duopoly in Houston — KRIV-26 and KTXH-TV. Before that he served in the same role at WHBQ-13 in Memphis, then a FOX O&O.
Other career highlights include serving as LSM and NSM, respectively, for WTTG-5 in Washington, D.C.
Lewis commented, “It was an honor to lead the incredible team at KTBC and it is now a dream come true to be named the new General Manager of these powerhouse Phoenix stations. I can’t wait to get started.”
