The Corner Office is Opening Up in Philly

WPVI General Manager Bernie Prazencia announced his retirement from the blowtorch station in Philly.

Prazencia has been the longest serving GM at WPVI. He announced the in meetings and an internal memo from Prazencia to the WPVI staff, see below.

Hi folks: 

When I started my first job at WPVI back in 1982, I felt like I had truly arrived in the big time. Few stations in the country could match Channel 6’s ratings, reputation for excellence, and spirit of innovation.  

 Forty-three years later, I’ve decided to retire at the end of this year.  It’s a difficult decision, but I’m ready - and I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings.  

 It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be part of the incredible legacy of WPVI, and an honor to work alongside all of you. As I’ve often said, our success is not about any one person - it’s about all of you, in every department and position across the station, bringing your talent, energy, and determination to win each and every day. 

 I’d need at least two more pages to properly thank everyone for the support, encouragement, and friendship I’ve been blessed with over the years.  But I do want to call out a few special thanks: to Debra OConnell and Chad Matthews for their outstanding leadership; to my fellow GMs across OTV for being both a source of inspiration and many good laughs; and to my extraordinary leadership team at 6abc, whose vision and dedication ensure that Channel 6 will remain strong and successful long into the future.  

 Of course, I could never have done this without my family. My wife, Patty, has been my greatest supporter, my best advisor, and the one who so graciously tolerated my other “significant other” - the station itself. Our kids, Caitlin and Michael, grew up knowing that our TVs only seemed to work when turned to 6abc or Disney - and they accepted it with good humor. These days, I’m a little less demanding with my three grandkids, Amelia, David, and Alan - they get to watch whatever they like! 

 I’ll be around for a few more months, and I plan to savor that time. I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible to personally thank you for all you’ve done in support of WPVI over “my” years.  

 As I step away, I carry with me deep gratitude, cherished memories, and enormous pride in what we’ve accomplished together. Thank you for making this journey so meaningful - and for letting me be part of such a remarkable team.  

 Thx, BP