Vice President, News (WPVI)

WPVI, the ABC Owned Television station serving the Philadelphia area, is seeking a passionate, visionary news leader to oversee all aspects of our multi-platform content operation.

The News Director leads WPVI’s news product across all platforms, overseeing strategy, content, and team performance to drive audience growth, revenue, and community connection. As a key member of the station’s leadership team, this executive is responsible for maintaining exceptional journalism, modernizing the newsroom, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

In partnership with the General Manager, the VP, News Director will define and execute a clear vision for the future of WPVI—communicating priorities, inspiring teams, and delivering results through data-driven decision making, strategic risk-taking, and hands-on leadership. This leader will evolve the Action News brand beyond breaking news to deliver impactful, localized, multi-platform journalism and content that reflects and serves the Philadelphia community.

The role collaborates closely across the ABC Owned Television Stations group and with cross-functional partners throughout The Walt Disney Company to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of multi-platform content strategies that attract and engage audiences

• Oversee newsroom operations to meet or exceed key performance indicators, including ratings, audience growth, video consumption, and market share

• Evolve and strengthen the station's brand to enhance relevance, impact, and community connection

• Lead a high-performing, diverse, multi-platform newsroom team

• Partner with Sales leadership to develop content initiatives that support revenue growth and monetization strategies

• Identify and implement operational efficiencies across newsroom workflows and processes

• Build strong relationships with community leaders and represent the station externally

• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, including on-air staff, while providing coaching and professional development opportunities

• Leverage data and analytics to inform content strategy, platform optimization, and team accountability

• Ensure compliance with company policies, journalistic ethics, FCC regulations, and industry standards

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive newsroom culture

• Partner across ABC Owned Television Stations and The Walt Disney Company to leverage resources and advance strategic priorities

• Lead OTT and streaming content strategy and development

• Drive business development initiatives and strategic partnerships that support modernization and long-term growth

Basic Qualifications:

• Proven newsroom leadership experience in a medium or large DMA, or a comparable news organization

• Collaborative and participative leadership style with a track record of driving innovation

• Ability to establish priorities, communicate vision and strategy, and identify growth opportunities

• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills in fast-paced environments

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

• Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations

• Experience working with unions and participating in contract negotiations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in marketing, audience development, and content growth across multiple platforms

• Knowledge of the Philadelphia tri-state market and community

• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

The hiring range for this position in Philadelphia, PA is $236,000 to $316,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.