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After 45 Years, One of the Best-Known Executives in the TV Station Business Is Retiring

Nov 20, 2014  •  Post A Comment

From coast-to-coast, he’s had a storied career in TV station management and, before that, in TV station ad sales.

Arnie Kleiner, who has been the president and general manager of ABC’s KABC-TV in Los Angeles for the past 19 years, announced today that he will be retiring at the end of January 2015.

“I’ve been so lucky to have had such a long and rewarding career in the television business,” Kleiner, 71, said in a statement. “I’ve had the great privilege of working with an amazing group of people and I’m very glad to have helped build KABC-TV into the great station it is today. I leave the station in good hands, and they can count on me to be their most loyal viewer.”

Rebecca Campbell, president of the ABC-owned television station group, said in a statement, “Through his strong leadership, Arnie has led a team that has built KABC into the number one television station in Los Angeles. We are extremely appreciative of his many years of commitment and dedication to our owned station group, and the great passion that Arnie has brought to KABC. We wish him the best in his retirement — he will be missed.”

According to the statement, here’s a quick summary of Kleiner’s career: “Kleiner has served as President and General Manager of KABC-TV since February 1996. Prior to his appointment at KABC-TV, he served as President and General Manager of KFMB-TV-AM/FM in San Diego, California.

“Mr. Kleiner began his career with Westinghouse Broadcasting in 1968 as an Account Executive at KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh. He moved into its television group in 1969 as an Account Executive at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. This was followed by positions at Group W Television Sales in Chicago and WBZ-TV in Boston.

“Mr. Kleiner subsequently joined Group W Television Sales in New York in 1974 as Sales Manager. In 1975 he returned to WJZ-TV as General Sales Manager. In 1978, he joined WPVI-TV in Philadelphia as Director of Sales. In 1981, Mr. Kleiner was named Vice President and General Manager of WMAR-TV in Baltimore. He remained there until 1993, when he moved to KFMB-TV AM/FM in San Diego, prior to his present position.”

Kleiner has also been involved with many philanthropic activities.

arnie kleiner Arnie Kleiner

14 Comments

  1. Arnie
    Great for you … Now bucket list ! Rickj

    • The Post and The Times didn’t call the election until it was made blsacaliy official. The television stations make projections and work a lot differently than how a newspaper works. I appreciate the fact that they waited because they report news, rather than talk about what could possibly happen.

  2. Simply the best! I see ski slopes in your future!

  3. Happy for you, Arnie but so sad to see you leave. It will not be the same here without you. Hope to shred some powder with you on the slopes one of these days!

  4. Ernie you have done an outstanding job for KABC-TV. When I was a young ABC staff announcer I was the first on the air to say Channel 7 KECA-TV we signed off at midnight also one the first to do the call letter change to KABC-TV I was told recently my KABC=TV sign off is on UTUBE under Roger Carroll

  5. Dear Arnie…a great many years have passed since last we visited, but that does not diminish my admiration of your talent nor the value and pleasure of our friendship. Congratulations and best wishes. May you enjoy and relish retirement as have I for many years. You will not want for things to do, but with fewer to help you do it! All best to you.

    Eric Bremner

  6. I am incredibly happy for you! I can never thank you enough for your support. Much love, peace, and happiness to you and your beautiful family. Congratulations!

  7. Congratulations on your retirement. It’s been nice working for you at KABC during your reign as President & General Manager. Good luck on your future endeavor!

  8. Great news, Arnie! I know you’ll want to devote much time to skiing, but if you’re up for a trail ride, I know where to get you a bike.

  9. I remember interviewing with you in your beautiful office and thinking afterwards “I blew it!” Thank you for giving me my first job in Los Angeles. Congratulations!

  10. Happy Retirement Arnie Kleiner 🙂

  11. Welcome to retirement! Arnie, you were the best GM I ever served under and it was FUN!

  12. Arnie — you were always one, truly cool cat and that’s going back t ‘JZ days. Congrats on building ABC and I hope your retirement is a blast. Best, Brian

  13. Annie, it’s Angela from KFMB. I wanted to congratulate you on a successful career. Enjoy your retirement !

    Angel

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