Terry McHugh Retires as General Manager of WEAU

The veteran leader steps down after a 21-year tenure guiding the Eau Claire broadcast station.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a tall broadcast tower, symbolizing the legacy of local media leadership. — Terry McHugh is retiring as general manager of Eau Claire television station WEAU, concluding a 21-year tenure defined by local community advocacy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Terry McHugh is retiring as the Vice President and General Manager of WEAU following a 21-year leadership stint at the station. His departure concludes a career spanning more than 40 years in the local television industry.

Why it matters

McHugh's leadership helped anchor WEAU's presence in Western Wisconsin for over two decades. His tenure was marked by significant community involvement, including support for hundreds of local non-profit groups.

McHugh leaves a legacy of supporting more than 400 non-profit organizations during his time at the station. He also oversaw major operations, including the recovery efforts following the collapse of the broadcast tower in 2011.

The players

Terry McHugh

He is the outgoing Vice President and General Manager of WEAU who spent over four decades working in the television industry.

WEAU

This is a television station that has provided broadcast service to the Western Wisconsin and Eau Claire area for more than 70 years.

The details

During his career, McHugh navigated the station through notable challenges, including the 2011 broadcast tower collapse, where the station returned to the air the very next morning. He also spearheaded community efforts, such as partnering with seven area car dealers to raise $80,000 for victims of the Girl Scout tragedy.

The WEAU broadcast tower fell in 2011.
Terry McHugh lost his son in 2015.
Terry McHugh announced his retirement in October 2026.

Market Landscape

McHugh's retirement concludes a long-standing era of local management at WEAU, which has operated in Western Wisconsin for over 70 years. His tenure represents a period of significant community integration for the station in the competitive regional media landscape.

Residents in the Chippewa Valley who rely on WEAU for news and community support will see a change in leadership at the top of the organization. The transition follows a long period of active station involvement in local charitable causes.

The takeaway

Effective leadership in local media often requires balancing daily operations with long-term community service. Establishing strong partnerships with local non-profits can build lasting institutional trust within a broadcast area.