Chuck Samuels

Chuck Samuels retired in November 2025 following a distinguished 19-year tenure as Vice President and General Manager of WHAM-TV, Rochester, New York’s ABC and CW affiliates, and WUHF-TV, Rochester’s Fox affiliate.

A 1983 graduate of the University of Florida with a master’s degree in journalism and communication, Samuels was also an All-American swimmer at UF.  He began his broadcasting career at WDVH, a country music station in Gainesville, Florida, where he reported and anchored afternoon drive newscasts.  He also contributed color commentary and pool-deck interviews for swimming events televised by ESPN.  Samuels later held producing roles in Jacksonville and Tampa before joining KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh in 1988, where he advanced to Executive Producer and Assistant News Director.

In 1993, Samuels was named News Director at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York.  Three years later, he moved to WHAM-TV in Rochester, where he served as News Director for nearly a decade before being promoted to Vice President and General Manager in 2006.  Under Samuels’ leadership, WHAM-TV earned three National Edward R. Murrow Awards and numerous regional honors.  His team also launched Buffalo Plus, a successful podcast focused on the Buffalo Bills.

Samuels was actively involved in the Rochester community, serving on boards for organizations that included the Rochester Ad Council, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Cancer Society.  From 2008 until his retirement, Samuels served on the board of the New York State Broadcasters and served on the Executive Committee.  Following his retirement, Samuels returned to Gainesville with his wife, Diane, bringing his career full circle.