Kathy Saunders Retiring As GM Of KDFW-KDFI Dallas

Kathy Saunders, senior vice president and general manager of the Fox-owned duopoly in Dallas — KDFW (Fox) and KDFI (MyNetworkTV), announced Tuesday that she will retire at the end of June. Saunders has been in this role since 1997 and with the Fox Television Stations since 1995. An internal and external search will take place for her successor.

“It has been my honor and privilege to manage Fox Television Stations from ‘fledgling’ network status to the dynamic broadcasting company it is today. Working for Jack Abernethy was never dull. He is a true leader in the industry who pushes his managers to work and think outside of their comfort zone to produce creative results. I have loved watching the Dallas-Fort Worth market grow over the years, along with KDFW Fox 4 and KDFI 27. Overseeing the development of this group of broadcast professionals has definitely been the highlight of my career. I will miss this wonderful team, but look forward to the next chapter.”

Jack Abernethy, Fox Television Stations CEO, said: “We would like to thank Kathy for the tremendous job she has done in Dallas for the past 26 years, and as an invaluable veteran of both news and sales for FTS for 28 years. A truly great leader, she leaves a talented team, and decisive as ever, we laughed when she gave us four days’ notice. We will miss her. We wish Kathy nothing but the best in her retirement.”

Saunders has spent 26 years as SVP-GM of KDFW-KDFI. Prior to this, she joined the Fox Television Stations as VP-GM of WFXT Boston. Previously, Saunders was VP-general sales manager at KDAF Dallas before being promoted to VP-GM.

Before that, she began as national sales manager for WPGH Pittsburgh and was later promoted to general sales manager. Saunders began her career in broadcasting as an account executive for KCTV Kansas City, Mo. She holds a B.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas.

Saunders was named Texas Association of Broadcasters’ Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 2022 and Broadcasting & Cable’s General Manager of the Year in 2019. She is chairman of the board of directors for the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, a member of the North Texas Final Four Local Organizing Committee Board of Directors, and member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters. She is on the board of directors and vice president of resource development for Girl’s Inc., and has held various roles and received many awards from the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) throughout her career.