KABC names Wendy Granato as its new president and general manager

Wendy Granato has been tapped to serve as the new president and general manager of KABC-TV (ABC-owned ABC 7), Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned TV Stations, announced Wednesday. Granato replaces Cheryl Fair, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 50 years with the ABC network.

Granato was previously president and general manager of ABC-owned KTRK-TV in Houston (ABC 13). In her role at KABC, she will be tasked with “leading and building the momentum of this iconic station in the nation’s second largest market and the entertainment capital of the world, shaping the editorial vision and developing the strategies and teams to manage audience and growth across platforms.”

Fair left the position in March. KABC remains the highest-rated TV station on the market, as does KTRK in Houston.

“Wendy is a true innovator who has long championed modernization in the newsroom, with a laser focus on how best to optimize programming across platforms,” Matthews said in a statement. “She is also acutely aware of what viewers care about and is resolute in her commitment to impactful, high-quality journalism. I know she will bring her signature tenacity, passion for problem solving and creative thinking to ensure KABC remains the industry leader in Los Angeles.”

Granato gave the credit to Fair, whom she called “an inspiration to so many of us in the industry.” I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her during her tenure and continue to call her my friend.”

Matthews will oversee KTRK’s management as he searches for Granato’s replacement there.

“I have had plenty of opportunities to work with the KABC team over the years. They are among the most groundbreaking and innovative storytellers in the industry, and I very much look forward to leading this remarkable team,” said Granato. “I am particularly impressed with their forward-thinking approach to breaking news and the best way to deliver it across numerous 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 viewers in Los Angeles. And I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things SoCal.”

During her tenure, KTRK won 99 Emmys and 13 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Before taking over as general manager at KTRK, Granato served as vice president of news at the station for five years. Previously, she served as 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 news director for KNWS Houston. Her previous experience includes serving as a news reporter and morning news anchor at KATC in Lafayette, La.