‘It’s an honor:’ WGN-TV introduces Ric Harris as Vice President, General Manager

CHICAGO — Broadcast leader Ric Harris was named Wednesday as Vice President and General Manager of WGN-TV, responsible for the long-range planning and day-to-day management of the station’s television and digital efforts.

He succeeds Paul Rennie, who retired last year. 

“Being a part of this family, the television station, being a part of the Nexstar family, it’s an honor and I am really, really happy to be here,” Harris said during a Thursday appearance on the WGN Evening News.

Harris has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and previously served in leadership roles at stations in Philadelphia and Hartford, Connecticut.

Harris said he views his responsibility through the lens of people, culture and community.

“We made a promise. We made a commitment when we were granted an FCC license that we would serve the community,” he said. “I really believe deeply and strongly in that, in serving the community, providing news and information that people need in order to make smart decisions for themselves, for their families, for their community. That is the core of what we do. It’s important. It matters. It’s relevant, and I take it very seriously. It is about people and culture.”

Harris has served as Chairman of Television for the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, President of the Philly Ad Club, and as a member of the Broadcast Education Association and the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Police Athletic League of Greater Philadelphia, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Philadelphia.

He graduated from John Carroll University in Ohio with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and English, and later earned his Master’s degree in Communications Management from the university.