Wendy Granato has been tapped to serve as the new president and general manager of ABC-owned KABC-TV (ABC 7), ABC Owned TV Stations president Chad Matthews announced Wednesday. Granato replaces Cheryl Fair, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 50 years with the ABC station group.
Granato was previously president and general manager of ABC-owned Houston outlet KTRK-TV (ABC 13). In her role at KABC, she will be tasked with “leading and building on the momentum of this iconic station in the nation’s second largest market and the entertainment capital of the world, shaping its editorial vision and managing the strategies and teams that drive audience and growth across platforms.”
Fair exited the position in March. KABC remains the market’s No. 1 rated TV station, just as KTRK is in Houston.
“Wendy is a true innovator, long championing modernization in the newsroom with a laser focus on how best to optimize programming across platforms,” Matthews said in a statement. “She is also keenly aware of what is important to viewers and is resolute in her commitment to impactful, high-quality journalism. I know she will put her trademark tenacity, passion for problem-solving and creative thinking to work to ensure that KABC continues to be the market leader in Los Angeles.”
Granato gave credit to Fair, who she called “an inspiration to so many of us in the industry. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside her during her tenure and to continue to call her my friend.”
Matthews will oversee KTRK management as he searches for Granato’s replacement there.
“I’ve had ample opportunities over the years to collaborate with the KABC team. They are among the most pioneering and innovative storytellers in the business, and I’m very much looking forward to leading this remarkable team,” said Granato. “I’m particularly impressed with their forward-thinking approach to breaking news and how best to elevate it across myriad platforms. I look forward to working closely with community leaders across the city to amplify stories and organizations that make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles viewers. And I cannot wait to immerse myself in all things SoCal.”
During her tenure, KTRK has won 99 Emmys and 13 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Prior to taking over as general manager at KTRK, Granato was the vice president of news at the station for five years. Before that, she was executive producer of special projects and executive producer of the daily talk show “Debra Duncan.”
Granato is also a founding director of OTV University, an educational program for all eight ABC Owned Television Stations.
Before KTRK, Granato was the news director for KNWS Houston. Her previous experience includes serving as a news reporter and morning news anchor at KATC in Lafayette, La.
Source Agencies
