Local television broadcaster TEGNA on Monday announced the promotions of three new vice presidents of content.
Julie Wolfe, Carol Fowler and Chris Peña will start in their new VP roles on June 30, the company said, adding that the appointments are part of TEGNA’s “commitment to invest in content as the company continues to build a sustainable future for local news.”
The announcement comes about a week after TEGNA said it will increase its local news output at many of its local TV stations, with new 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. newscasts that will stream on TEGNA-owned digital apps and online channels.
Wolfe, Fowler and Peña will each serve a specific geographic region that covers many of TEGNA’s 50-plus local TV markets, the company said. Each will also oversee a robust content-related priority that affects all stations, including weather, “big stories and events,” morning news strategy, sponsorships and investigative journalism.
Fowler will oversee TEGNA’s content strategies in the Mid-Southern region, including its stations in St. Louis, Knoxville, Memphis, Louisville, Fort Smith, Little Rock and New Orleans. She currently leads the digital strategy initiatives at WXIA (Channel 11), TEGNA’s NBC affiliate in Atlanta.
Wolfe will take TEGNA’s stations in the western U.S., including its outlets in Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Boise and Denver. She is currently the news director at Seattle-based NBC affiliate KING (Channel 5), which also operates independent station KONG (Channel 16).
Peña will be in charge of content at TEGNA’s stations in the Midwest, including outlets at Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Des Moines, Davenport and Minneapolis. He is the only executive being appointed to a VP role that does not currently work at the broadcaster; Peña joins from Blue Engine, a consulting firm that helps media brands grow and scale their audiences. He previously led breaking news initiatives at Comcast-owned MSNBC.
“Carol, Julie and Chris each bring deep experience building innovative newsrooms and understand the importance of strong local journalism,” said Adrienne Roark, the Chief Content Officer at TEGNA. “They’re passionate about developing talent and creating engaging content that serves viewer needs across platforms. Their leadership will be instrumental in further strengthening TEGNA’s award winning content.”
