PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Bernie Prazenica, 6abc’s longest-serving president and general manager, is retiring after 17 years in the role and more than four decades with the station.
During a celebration on Tuesday night, Prazenica reflected on his time at 6abc as colleagues honored his career and leadership.
“This is my family; my 6abc family for 43 years. I love them. I love the station,” he said.
Prazenica began his career in the Action News sales department in 1982. He later served as president and general manager of WTVD, WPVI’s sister station, before returning to Philadelphia to lead 6abc.
“The journey’s been wonderful. It’s been fun. There’s ups and downs, but there’s no place better than 6abc,” Prazenica said.
Family, friends and staff members celebrated his successful career on Tuesday night.
“We want to give him the proper send-off with a lot of fun, heartfelt, warm wishes and send him off into a fabulous retirement,” said 6abc’s Vice President of Community Engagement Nikki Hawkins.
Colleagues credited him with modernizing the station’s facilities and fostering a strong newsroom culture.
Former longtime anchor Jim Gardner said, “It’s a tough job. Somebody has to do it. We’re all lucky that it was Bernie Prazenica.”
Vice President and News Director Tom Davis praised Prazenica’s leadership.
