J. David Davis Named President and General Manager of WABC-TV New York

J. David (Dave) Davis, executive vice president, ABC News, has been named president and general manager of WABC-TV in New York, the ABC Television Stations Group’s flagship station in the nation’s largest television market, it was announced today by Rebecca S. Campbell, president of the ABC Television Stations Group. The appointment of Mr. Davis, an executive with 30 years experience in the station business, is effective immediately, and marks a return to the number one station that he successfully managed from 2003-07.

As WABC-TV President and General Manager, Mr. Davis has overall management responsibility for WABC-TV/Channel 7 and all of its ancillary businesses, including two additional digital TV channels (LiveWell HD and a local/regional weather channel powered by AccuWeather); 7online.com, the station’s Internet site; and “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” the long-running hit syndicated series produced by the station. Mr. Davis both preceded and succeeds Rebecca Campbell in the position.

“News is the lifeblood of our stations and Dave’s credentials are unmatched in that area, having spent more than 33 years in the business with 28 of those for the ABC Owned Station Group,” Ms. Campbell said. “His intimate knowledge of WABC and the New York market make him ideally suited for the top job at our flagship station.  We’re thrilled to welcome him back to our division and to Channel 7.”

In commenting on Mr. Davis’ appointment, David Westin, president ABC News, stated, “While we are sad to see Dave leave ABC News, the company deserves the very best for the number one station in the largest market in the country, and there’s no arguing that Dave is that person.  Our loss is WABC’s gain, and we look forward to working closely with Dave in New York.”

Mr. Davis added, “There’s a reason I’ve spent the vast majority of my career with local news stations – I have a true passion for the unique role and service they provide their communities.  I’m thrilled with this opportunity and look forward to again managing the number one station in the nation’s number one market.”

Mr. Davis started his career in broadcast news, as a News Photographer, in 1977 at KTRK-TV, the ABC-owned television station in Houston. He was subsequently promoted to News Reporter and then News Producer. In 1982, he moved to WFAA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Dallas, as Producer of the 6 p.m. news. Two years later, he returned to KTRK-TV as Executive Producer for news.

In 1986, Mr. Davis was promoted to News Director, WTVD, the ABC-owned television station in Raleigh-Durham. He joined WPVI-TV as News Director in 1990 and was promoted to President and General Manager in 1997. He was named President and General Manager of WABC-TV in 2003. In 2007 he moved to ABC News as Executive Vice President.

Mr. Davis is a graduate of Boston University with a BS in Communications.