There’s some new leadership atop the eight ABC-owned television stations as The Walt Disney Company announced that Chad Matthews will oversee the day-to-day management.
Matthews currently operates as the President/GM of WABC-7 in New York, leading the station known for the most-watched newscasts in the U.S.
“Chad is an exceptional leader who has a track record of success, always championing innovative content and storytelling, programs that have a meaningful impact on the community overall, and achieving and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence while driving enormous success across linear and digital platforms,” Debra OConnell, President of Networks at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, said.
“His strategic vision, passion for local news, forward-thinking roll-up your sleeves attitude, and commitment to teamwork are among the many attributes that will ensure that under his leadership, our Owned Television Stations will continue to thrive.”
Matthews began his career at WABC in 2000 and two years later received a promotion to senior executive producer in 2002.
After 12 years at the station, Matthews departed WABC for a five-year stint as Assistant News Director at NBC-owned WTVJ-6 in Miami-Fort Lauderdale. In 2017, Matthews returned to WABC.
“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead the best station group in the country! The great eight, as I like to call it. The team members who make up the ABC Owned Stations are the best in the business,” Matthews said.
“Their talents, innovation, perseverance, and flexibility are sources of constant inspiration. I am very much looking forward to working with them to further grow the business while continuing to find new ways to super-serve our viewers and communities in a way that raises the bar for local television.”