Eduardo Fernandez, accomplished television executive and experienced community leader, has been named vice president and general manager of WXYZ, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate and top-rated news station in Detroit.
“Ed is known throughout the industry for his commitment to a high-quality on-air product, his strong record of sales success and his passion for community enrichment,” said Brian Lawlor, senior vice president of the Scripps television division. “More than any other market in America today, Detroit needs a local television voice that will be a passionate advocate for its citizens and businesses, and no TV executive is better suited for that task than Ed Fernandez.”
Fernandez begins his new assignment on April 26. He replaces Bob Sliva, who retired earlier this month after leading the station since 2007.
Most recently, Fernandez, age 47, served as president and general manager of NBC Universal’s WSNS, Telemundo Chicago, where he was responsible for all station operations, including news, sales, marketing and promotions, engineering, and production.
Before joining Telemundo in 2003, Fernandez worked for 14 years at WXMI Fox 17 in Grand Rapids, Mich. He joined the station as a local sales manager, served as general sales manager, station manager and eventually became vice president/general manager. Earlier in his career, he served as an account executive for WSB-TV in Atlanta, WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, Mich., and WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Fernandez, whose stations have won numerous local Emmys, has received a number of awards, including the Central Michigan University Distinguished Alumni award, Grand Rapids Business Journal “Forty Under Forty” award and St. Augustine College’s “El Puente” award for his commitment to the Chicago Hispanic community.
Fernandez’s professional involvement includes membership of the Michigan Association Broadcasters and the Illinois Broadcasters Association Board.
Originally from West Michigan, he earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast and cinematic arts from Central Michigan University. He was the Robert R. McCormick/Tribune Foundation Fellowship Recipient through National Association of Broadcasters. He also completed a management development course and leadership, innovation and growth program through GE/NBC Universal’s executive training program.
The Chicago resident will be relocating to Michigan. He has three teenage daughters.