Paul Fredericksen To Retire As GM Of KCCI

Paul Fredericksen, president and general manager since 1986 of Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate KCCI Des Moines, Iowa (DMA 72), will retire later this year, capping four decades in local television and nearly three decades at the helm of KCCI. His successor will be announced at a future date.

“Paul has had a remarkable career at KCCI,” said Hearst Television Chairman-CEO David J. Barrett. “The station’s many accomplishments over the years — characterized by its dedicated service to its community, its noteworthy coverage of Iowa’s high profile political campaigns and its consistent ratings leadership — are a testament to Paul’s outstanding stewardship of a great television station.”

Fredericksen began his television career at KCCI — then KRNT — as business manager in 1973 when it was owned by Cowles Communications. In 1986, he was promoted to president-GM when the station was under the ownership of H&C Communications. Hearst Television acquired the station as part of its 1999 acquisition of then-owner Pulitzer Broadcasting.

Fredericksen graduated in 1968 from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, which later honored him with a Henry Olsen Award recognizing distinguished alumni.