WFLD-WPWR GM Dennis Welsh To Retire

Dennis Welsh, senior vice president and general manager of the Fox-owned duopoly in Chicago WFLD (Fox) and WPWR (MyNetworkTV), announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of June. Welsh has been in this role since January 2013 and with the Fox Television Stations for 26 years. An internal and external search will take place for his successor.

“After 40 years in television, it is time for my next journey, which will include lots of travelling with my wife, Kellie. Spending the last 26-years in five different leadership roles at Fox Television Stations has been the thrill of a lifetime. I’m thankful to 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.”

Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations, said: “We would like to thank Dennis for his hard work and dedication to Fox Television Stations over the past 26 years. 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 TV career as a sales account executive for KDKA Pittsburgh followed by national sales representative position at MMT Sales in Philadelphia.

He then held various sales management roles at WPGH and WPTT in Pittsburgh, WLWT Cincinnati and WPRI Providence, R.I. His 26-year career at FTS began as VP-general sales manager at WJW Cleveland, as well as director of sales for Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh.

Next came his role as VP Director Of Sales for the newly created FTS National Sales Organization, Fox Stations Sales (FSS), in New York City. He then took on the role as VP-director of sales for KDFW-KDFI Dallas, as well as director of sales for Fox Sports Net Southwest.

He was then promoted to VP-GM of WOFL-WRBW Orlando, Fla., before moving to WFLD-WPWR Chicago.

During his tenure at WFLD, the station expanded local news from 37 to 56 hours per week, as well as developed two locally produced shows, Flannery Fired Up and Later with Leon. He wrote and presented dozens of local editorials in his “That’s How I See It” segments and led the station’s renovation after 38 years.

Understanding the importance of sports coverage to viewers, Welsh developed and renewed the Chicago Bears/FOX32 “Exclusive Broadcast TV” partnership and championed the production of dozens of hours of local specials and coverage of the Cubs World Series victory on Fox. Other notable accomplishments throughout his 26-year Fox career include helping start the Fox Stations Sales department in 37 business days as the director of sales and leading numerous sales teams that generated hundreds of millions of Fox Sports and local sports advertising dollars. Welsh grew the Fox station revenue share in each of the four local markets he served.