Patrick Paolini has been named CEO of TEGNA

Patrick Paolini joins TEGNA from FOX Television Stations, where he most recently served as EVP of Advertising Sales. In that position, he oversaw ad sales strategy across the FOX station group. Before moving into the corporate role in 2023, Paolini was Senior VP and General Manager of WTTG and WDCA. TEGNA says the stations rose to #1 in the market during his tenure through an expansion of local news and lifestyle programming.

Before arriving in DC, Paolini also held leadership roles at FOX stations in Philadelphia and New York. In announcing the hire, TEGNA’s board praised his experience in major-market television, local news, and digital revenue growth. Paolini said he has “tremendous respect” for the TEGNA brand and its local journalism operations, adding that the company will continue focusing on innovation and growth across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms. TEGNA currently operates 64 television stations in 51 markets, including WUSA9 and remains independently operated under Nexstar ownership following the company’s 2026 acquisition.

Paolini starts his new role on June 1. More from Deadline.