She succeeds Walter Liss, who announced his retirement. He will immediately move into a consultancy role for the group to assist in the transition.
Campbell has been the President and General Manager of WABC-TV, the ABC Television Stations Group's flagship station in New York City, since October 2007.
"Rebecca is a strong leader with a proven track record of success, more than 25 years of experience in local broadcasting, and the respect of station leaders, employees, and her colleagues across the Company," Anne Sweeney, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group, said. "Her 'viewer first' philosophy, vision, and expertise in every facet of local television make her the right choice to lead our Owned Stations Group into the future and define their expanded role in the digital age."
Campbell oversaw not only Channel 7, but additional digital TV channels; 7online.com, ABC7's TAXI TV, and "Live with Regis and Kelly," the long-running syndicated hit series which is produced by the station.
"In this multi-platform era local broadcasting has taken on a new level of importance, and our owned stations are at the forefront," she said in a statement. "It's an honor to lead such a talented team of professionals who care passionately about our audience, our programming and our brand. We will continue to make sure ABC viewers can get the local content they need, wherever they go and whenever they want it."
She also served as the President and General Manager of WPVI-TV, the ABC owned television station in Philadelphia, PA. Both television stations are the highest-rated, from sign-on to sign-off, in their respective markets.
Campbell takes the baton overseeing the 10 ABC owned television stations from Walter Liss, who was appointed president of the group in May 1999.
Under Mr. Liss's direction, the ABC Owned Television Stations Group continued to build upon its long-time leadership as a driving force in the broadcasting industry -- combining award-winning community service with outstanding ratings and financial performance.
"I've worked with Walter for almost 25 years, and I know him to be a one of a kind person: a great executive who knows his business well and has always had a passion for it. He is a no-nonsense guy, who ran the best station group in the country, and loved every minute he spent in the station business," Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger said. "We are all grateful for his leadership, his contributions and his friendship, and we are thankful for ensuring our stations are so well-positioned for the future. Although he has definitely earned the right to retire, he will be sorely missed."
The stations group includes WABC-TV in New York; KABC-TV in Los Angeles; WLS-TV in Chicago; WPVI-TV in Philadelphia; KGO-TV in San Francisco; KTRK-TV in Houston; WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham, NC; KFSN-TV in Fresno, CA; WJRT-TV in Flint, MI; and WTVG-TV in Toledo, OH.
