Tom Doerr

“Tom has a fresh approach to local news and an ability to recognize meaningful stories within a community. He is an exceptional leader, with a natural news instinct and a proven track record of success and we are excited to welcome him to our station,” WFLD VP-GM Dennis Welsh said in a statement.

Doerr comes from another Fox O&O, KRIV in Houston, where he has been vice president and news director since 2009. Before that, he spent three years as vice president and station manager of WFOR, the CBS O&O in Miami.

“There is no news town quite like Chicago; there is always something vibrant and exciting happening in this city.  I look forward to leading the talented team of committed journalists at FOX 32 in providing interesting and valuable news to viewers,” Doerr said.

Doerr replaces Phyllis Schwartz, who left WFLD in December.

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“There is no better place to be a news director than Chicago – I love this city and I love producing the news here. This was an extremely difficult decision to make but I have decided to leave FOX 32 to be with my family in California,” Schwartz told TVSpy in a statement. “My reasons for asking to leave are strictly personal. I have a supportive husband, two wonderful daughters, and a great Mom in Southern California and need to be with them at this time.”

Schwartz informed the newsroom of her decision to leave WFLD this morning, station sources say.

“[WFLD general manager] Mike Renda has been a great friend and leader; I will miss him and the talented FOX 32 team but am confident they will continue the momentum in breaking news and delivering relevant reports that impact the people of Chicago,” Schwartz said. continued…

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WFLD

Amara Walker, who has been freelancing for the station, has been named co-anchor of the weekend evening newscasts beginning October 6. Walker joins Larry Yellen, who previously anchored solo.

General assignment reporter Darlene Hill (pictured) also gets a promotion at WFLD. Beginning October 7, Hill joins Mike Flannery as co-host of “Fox Chicago Sunday.” Dane Placko will step away from the political affairs program to expand his investigative reporting and contribute to the weekday newscasts.

“Darlene’s years of experience reporting from Chicago neighborhoods, courthouses, and institutions give her a wealth of knowledge that complement Mike’s political expertise,” news director Phyllis Schwartz told TVSpy in a statement. continued…

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Christopher Myers

Myers, who is currently a senior consultant at rumorfix.com, will be reunited with recently-named WFLD news director Phyllis Schwartz. The pair worked together at both NBC O&O WMAQ, where Myers was an executive producer, and ABC O&O WLS.

“Having managed several Chicago newsrooms together, we are excited to collaborate once again in bringing FOX Chicago viewers an engaging and energetic news product that will increase the station’s presence in the market,” Schwartz said in a statement.

Prior to his experience in Chicago, Myers was assistant news director at KNBC in Los Angeles. He is also a former producer of “Entertainment Tonight” and “The Insider” on CBS. He begins in his new role at WFLD today.

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Phyllis Schwartz

Schwartz replaces Carol Fowler, who is “leaving the station to pursue other opportunities,” a Fox statement reads. Although Fowler’s departure was rumored last spring, WFLD general manager Mike Renda told TVSpy in June, “Carol and I are here for the long haul.”

“FOX Chicago appreciates all of Carol’s hard work and dedication during her time with the station,” a Fox spokesperson told TVSpy.

Schwartz spent 13 years at WLS, including five as the station’s news director. She has a long history in local television, with stints as vice president of news and creative services at Chicago NBC O&O WMAQ and as president and general manager at San Diego NBC O&O KNSD. Her last job in television was as executive vice president of news, promotion and original content for the NBC Universal local stations, a position she held from 2007 to 2009. continued…

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