Kevin Keeshan, the Executive Vice President of News Editorial for NBC Universal Local, will retire at the end of June after a 47-year career in local journalism.
Since joining NBC Universal in 2012, Keeshan has overseen editorial standards and practices across NBC Owned Television Stations, Telemundo Station Group, NBC Sports Regional Networks, and digital platforms. He played a key role in coordinating major news coverage and advancing investigative and consumer-focused journalism initiatives.
“Kevin is a true professional who has made a lasting impact on local journalism throughout his extraordinary career,” wrote Valari Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal Local, in a staff memo. “He has unquestionably contributed to the trust people have in local news and his work in consumer and investigative reporting has helped uncover countless stories, expose wrongdoing and bring about change.”
Under Keeshan’s leadership, NBC Universal Local launched the Consumer Investigative Center and its NBC Responds and Telemundo Responde units in 2014. These programs now operate in 33 stations across 23 markets and have recovered nearly $92 million for consumers impacted by fraud, theft, and abuse.
He also championed the development of one of the nation’s largest privately owned weather radar networks, significantly enhancing local forecasting accuracy.
“Kevin was also part of an initiative that delivered the most advanced tools, training and resources to our weather teams across the country. Those investments have made our stations the most accurate weather forecasters in their markets,” Staab added.
During his tenure, the group’s investigative journalism was recognized with 35 national awards, including the Edward R. Murrow, Peabody, DuPont, and IRE awards.
Keeshan began his career in 1978 at KTOB radio in Petaluma, California, and previously held leadership roles at ABC-owned KGO (Channel 7) in San Francisco and KFSN (Channel 30) in Fresno.
“This is a tough business,” Keeshan wrote in his own note on Tuesday. “You don’t get to live your life like everyone else. Always on call. An earthquake, fire or hurricane away from working non-stop for days at a time.”
He continued: “I will always have a special place in my heart for our consumer and investigative teams. They’re smart, dedicated journalists who are driven to make a difference in the lives of our viewers through relentless pursuit of the truth. I have nothing but admiration for what they do and will continue to cheer them on from afar.”
Keeshan says he intends to travel, and then volunteer his time with the American Red Cross Disaster Response Team and Public Affairs unit.
