ADVANCEMENTS AND OPTIMISM
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S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
IT’S BACK! WHO ARE
BROADCAST MEDIA’S BEST
LEADERS OF 2022?
GATESAIR AT 100:
A CENTURY OF
INNOVATION
WHERE TV AND
STREAMING
CONVERGE
ADVANCEMENTS
AND OPTIMISM
From exciting new technology
tools to positive vibes among
radio and television industry
leaders, 2022 could be a big
year for broadcast media.
1 · R B R .CO M · SPRING 2022
I N T H I S I S S U E
S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
3 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION FOR A BROADCAST RADIO + TELEVISION
BUSINESS REPORT
MEDIA STALWART
CHAIRMAN
In 1922, the 15-year-old son of Henry and Cora Gates began Eric Rhoads
selling crystal radios from their Quincy, Ill. apartment. Today, erhoads@streamlinepublishing.com
radio and TV industry leaders have much to thank for that PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
decision, as GatesAir celebrates 100 years of broadcast Deborah Parenti
dparenti@streamlinepublishing.com
transmission innovation.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Adam R Jacobson
8 BROADCAST MEDIA’S BEST LEADERS OF 2022 ajacobson@streamlinepublishing.com
For weeks, RBR+TVBR readers have asked whether it was MANAGING EDITOR
Brida Connolly
returning. Here it is: the latest rankings. Hint: Last year’s No. 1 has bconnolly@streamlinepublishing.com
moved, and there are three new faces on the list! CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kenneth Whitney
kwhitney@streamlinepublishing.com
29 INTRODUCING PUBLIC TV DELIVERY OF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NEXTGEN AT-HOME LEARNING April McLynn
New Mexico PBS takes its education pledge one step further. It’s amclynn@streamlinepublishing.com
all possible thanks to ATSC 3.0. ADVERTISING/MARKETING
CONSULTANTS
Joshua Gertzog
30 WHERE TELEVISION AND STREAMING 609.647.3994
jgertzog@streamlinepublishing.com
CONVERGE
Fantastic studio facilities no longer require vast, warehouse-sized Jennifer Jacques
937.522.5971
spaces to transmit a program. That’s just one of the takeaways jjacques@streamlinepublishing.com
from a visit to St. Petersburg, Fla., where the newest tech Carl Marcucci
advancements bring exciting opportunities for visual media. 703.670.2860
cmarcucci@streamlinepublishing.com
George Wymer
35 THE TV DEAL OUTLOOK … OH, AND RADIO, TOO 937.609.6778
The transactions marketplace of early 2022 is dominated by gwymer@streamlinepublishing.com
low-power TV stations, followed by FM station acquisitions by
non-commercial religious broadcasters. Is this the “new normal”
331 SE Mizner Blvd.
for brokers? Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Phone: 561-655-8778
www.rbr.com
Twitter: @rbrtvbr
2 · R B R .CO M · SPRING 2022
A GOLDEN CELEBRATION
FOR A BROADCAST
MEDIA STALWART
In 1922, a 15-year-old boy began selling crystal radios in his hometown of Quincy, Ill., after his
parents decided to start a business from their apartment’s kitchen. A century later, radio and
television stations around the globe can thank Henry and Cora Gates for giving their son his first
job — one that would result in the creation of what is today known as GatesAir.
I
t’s safe to say that few broadcast While GatesAir’s branding has
industry leaders are not familiar been used for just eight years, the
with the name GatesAir, or innovation and technological intel-
perhaps that of its former parent ligence surrounding its products
company, Harris Corp.. That may is 100 years old. And, with just
be testament to the thousands of three owners across that century
engineers and scientists entrusted of continuous operation, its very
with developing broadcast trans- existence alone is remarkable. Note
mission products that have endured that in 1922, the nascent business of
sweeping or even unprecedented broadcasting was unquestionably
changes in how consumers receive dominated by Westinghouse. That
informational and entertainment- company ceased operations two
based content. decades ago.
In February 2013, GatesAir Today, GatesAir still has a home
became a portfolio company in Quincy, Ill., where manufacturing
of The Gores Group, rolled into of its products is seen. Research and
Harris through a $225 million development is headquartered in the
transaction. By the end of 2013, it tony Cincinnati suburb of Mason,
had become a sibling to Imagine Ohio. From here, GatesAir CEO Bruce
Communications, also rolled into Swail directs the company’s opera-
Harris. In March 2014, the Harris tions. He’s held the role since July
brand was retired, with Imagine 2017, and arrived at the company fol-
reemerging as the GatesAir name Bruce Swail lowing roles as CEO of US Robotics,
was introduced. as a GM in Motorola’s broadband
SPRING 2022 · R B R .CO M · 3
division, and as a Design Engineer at “We’ve had to be “When you think of some of the
Bristol Aerospace. technology that was developed by
With so much media attention on on the leading GatesAir, you also have to recognize
the 100th anniversaries of such storied that Motorola had facilities there, and
radio stations as KDKA in Pittsburgh, edge because there was a paging company there,”
WWJ in Detroit, KNX in Los Angeles,
and, more recently, WGN in Chicago, the technology is Swail says. “It’s really quite remarkable
how much technology was developed
has the technology side of a century of
broadcasting been underreported? Is
changing, and while in Quincy.”
GatesAir often brings customers,
the work of companies such as GatesAir
underappreciated?
we’re a technology in particular first-time customers,
to its Quincy plant as part of their
Swail, without hesitation, says no. company, we really due diligence. In many cases, they’re
“I’m a technologist by trade, and we’re mesmerized at what they see as they
well recognized. We haven’t lumbered put the customer drive through cornfields and even-
tually arrive in “a very modest town”
first and focus on
along and participated in a minor way.
We’ve been at the leading edge through on the east bank of the Mississippi
all of these different eras of innovation.
We’ve driven some of the standards
the needs of the River. “You get to our factory and you
see this incredible technology being
work. I’m more buoyed by what we’ve
done and accomplished — the body
broadcasters. We developed and manufactured in the
U.S.,” Swail says. “It’s hard to believe
of work is so substantial, over such a really understand that it’s there. But it has brought us a
sustained period of time.” lot of tenure and long service, with a
The delivery and monetization of their world.” ton of organizational knowledge and
broadcast content has been a tenet of depth across our team. We have dozens
GatesAir since its founding. How is that — Bruce Swail of people that have seen it all. It reflects
instilled in the company’s philosophy how it’s not just about buying a piece
today? Swail says, “Over time we’ve had of electronics. It’s the whole value
to innovate. We’ve had to be on the important assets across its 100 years proposition.”
leading edge because the technology is of operations. Without them, would
changing, and while we’re a technology there be the prospect of a 125th or 150th CUSTOMER SERVICE QC
company, we really put the customer anniversary in the coming years? As Chief Revenue Officer at GatesAir,
first and focus on the needs of the Joe Mack has perhaps been one of the
broadcasters. We really understand A BIRTHPLACE OF MODERN most customer-facing leaders at the
their world.” BROADCAST company. His tenure dates back not
Swail adds that one thing that sets While Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and only to the Harris Corp. days, but to its
GatesAir apart from its peers is that it Massachusetts innovated radio trans- predecessor, Midwest Communication.
doesn’t just manufacture equipment or missions well before Westinghouse If one were to ask Mack about how
design technology. “We’re kind of a full- rewrote history by falsely claiming pleasing the customer has played a key
service provider, and we like to think KDKA in Pittsburgh was the first radio role in GatesAir’s century of service,
that a broadcast engineer can sleep station to continuously broadcast (it they’d get this reply. “Over the years,
at night because they have GatesAir was one of the first to get a license we’ve seen a lot of transmitter suppliers
equipment.” specific to radio, although even that feat come and go. The one thing that sets
Among two generations of radio is disputed by some), there can be little GatesAir apart is that we do one thing
industry professionals, Harris Corp. is debate over the outsized role Quincy, — and we do it very, very well. We do it
still a widely known entity. In 1957, it Ill., with a shrinking population of just over the long haul, and I think that our
bought Gates Radio. And it was under under 40,000 people, has played in the partners and our customers really do
Harris ownership that expansion history of over-the-air broadcasting. value that.”
to the TV industry was seen. Asked Yes, WRGB-6 in Schenectady, N.Y., Mack recalls the start of Midwest
about the importance of Harris to the was the first television station in the Communication in 1981, a few years
GatesAir legacy, Swail replies, “Some of U.S. In 1956, the first all-color TV station before his arrival. “I was an engineer
the concepts and innovation around was born at WMAQ-5 in Chicago. All coming out of the cable and satellite
process, as it relates to our manufac- the while, GatesAir’s innovations kept industry, and they put me in a sales
turing center, endure today — how we pace, and expanded with the 1958 sale position — in a call center — and I
run the business and how we drive the to Harris. Across town in Quincy, the enjoyed it.”
operations. The technology has obvi- former Quincy Media was formed (it When Harris came on board, Mack
ously changed a lot, and today’s digital is now a part of Gray Television). Then says, Midwest had a thriving satellite
transmission standards are incredibly there is Broadcast Electronics (BE), news-gathering and electronic news-
more complex than the old analog founded in Silver Spring, Md. In 1977, BE gathering business. In turn, it was
standards were. But the ability for us relocated to Quincy, perhaps inspired moved into Harris, in 1991. “Harris
to stay cutting-edge has kept pace with by Gates as it began to design and brought along manufacturing of
that as well.” manufacture its own radio transmitters. transmitters and microwave, and they
And, more than anything, it is Needless to say, the Quincy name put us all together,” he recalls. “It’s like
the team in place at GatesAir today won’t be forgotten in broadcast lore. cooking a good gumbo here. If you’ve
that Swail believes is one of its most And GatesAir has much to do with that. got the right recipe, when it’s ready to
4 · R B R .CO M · SPRING 2022
“Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of
transmitter suppliers come and go. The one
thing that sets GatesAir apart is that we do
one thing, and we do it very, very well.”
— Joe Mack
communications tower. “We put Then came the conflict in Iraq, in
everything together that we possibly 2002. As part of the rebuild program
could,” Mack says. “We put it in trucks, following the invasion by U.S. forces of
drove it out into New Jersey, and flew the country, the U.S. government com-
people in on private airplanes as close mitted to constructing new broadcast
as we could after the flight restrictions facilities. Harris Corp. worked with the
were limited. We went to Armstrong Iraqi Media Network on a $38 million,
Tower to literally do installations for two-year project in Baghdad. Nine TV
almost all of the New York broadcasters. transmission sites across the country
A bunch of us drove in as the Twin were erected.
Joe Mack Towers were still on fire. You hope that Adrick’s experience on that
you never, ever have to do something project puts a whole new perspective
like that. But it is all about keeping that on customer service. “I vividly
serve, it’s really good. That is exactly transmitter on the air.” remember being on a phone call late
what happened at Harris.” One key player that helped The one night,” he says. “It was morning
From the microphones all the way Golf Channel launch in January over there, and our crew was actually
through to the transmitters, The Golf 1995 as the first all-digital broadcast in Saddam Hussein’s palace. That’s
Channel has the Midwest/Harris team to network in the world was Jay Adrick. where their offices were located. They
thank for its very foundation. Mack rose Today a consultant for Cavell, Mertz were in an upper meeting room,
to higher positions, culminating with & Associates, Adrick spent 21 years at and all of a sudden there was a loud
his appointment 19 months ago as CRO. Harris Corp., rising to VP of Broadcast explosion and all I heard was them
As customer service can make or Technology, following 13 years at say, ‘Goodbye. We’ll call you later.’ For
break an operation, how has GatesAir Midwest Communications. about 24 hours we had no idea what
worked with its clients in ensuring the With Adrick in house, the Harris had happened to them. It turned out
longevity of their relationships? “It’s team built the NPR facilities on Mas- an RPG had been fired at the side of
very simple,” Mack says, pointing to the sachusetts Ave. N.W. in Washington and the building and hit the wall outside
QC that comes in product manufac- constructed the digital master control of their conference room.” The Harris
turing and design. “If you don’t have for Voice of America. In 1996, a new team spent an entire day in an under-
customer service that will react as the General Manager arrived: Bruce Allan. ground bunker. It’s a reality faced
first thing on the list, you don’t have across Ukraine in March 2022.
a business.” Having the passion to BROADCAST TV’s BIG For 24 years, Geoff Mendenhall
make that happen is perhaps equally TRANSITION was another key member of the
important, Mack adds. Allan’s arrival turned out to be a pivotal GatesAir and Harris Corp. executive
Given the current global climate, moment in GatesAir’s history, Adrick team, serving as a VP of Transmission
emergencies may arise where vital recalls. “Bruce had been involved in the Research and Technology and a product
broadcast communications are development of ATSC, the Advanced development leader from summer 1995
compromised. For GatesAir, hur- Television Systems Committee, and the through early 2008. He’s also a Quincy
ricanes, wildfires, and unexpected digital system which eventually became market veteran who spent 14 1/2 years
calamities such as the Sept. 11, 2001 the standard for North America. The at BE before joining GatesAir. But, even
terrorist attacks are just some of the ATSC had been an organization that before that, Mendenhall came to Harris
things the company has responded was guided by several groups, and in 1973 as a Design Engineer.
to quickly. There is also experience they were going to form a board and a Looking back at GatesAir’s place
with feeds, including the Tiananmen steering committee and elect officers in history, Mendenhall focuses on the
Square uprising of spring 1989 and for the first time. Bruce encouraged combined impact of Gates Radio and
the Reagan-Gorbachev summit that me to look beyond systems and get Harris Corp., and the work done across
helped pave the way to the end of the involved in the standards world, which the 1960s through The Gores Group’s
Soviet Union. “During the Gulf War we I did, and became one of the first board purchase of Harris and Imagine. There’s
supplied transmitters into some of the members at ATSC. I believe that was in a long list of patents to be proud of. But,
countries,” Mack says. “These things 1999 or 2000.” from a top-level view, he says, “GatesAir
were spur of the moment.” This put GatesAir front and center probably is responsible for more inno-
One thing he says GatesAir shone in the rollout of ATSC 1.0, and now ATSC vations to broadcast technology than
on was the collapse of the Twin Towers, 3.0, with its Broadcast Internet and any other company in the world. To give
and immediately moving forward with NEXTGEN TV functionality. Adrick was an example, during my tenure there [at
the replacement of a key broadcast elected as the ATSC’s Vice Chairman. Harris Corp.], they had over 150 active
SPRING 2022 · R B R .CO M · 5
47 T H
ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS
Celebrating individual achievement and
programming by, for and about women.
Gracies Gala Gracies Luncheon
Putting women in media The luncheon
at center stage. of a lifetime.
May 24, 2022 June 22, 2022
Beverly Wilshire Cipriani 42nd Street
A Four Seasons Hotel New York
Beverly Hills
Visit allwomeninmedia.org/gracies for more information.
Geoff Mendenhall (in front) and Jay Adrick chat with fellow
attendees at a trade show. Dana Myers
patents. How many others were left to the camaraderie among staff members, technology, and at a company that, like
expire, I don’t quite know for sure.” Harris and now GatesAir employs the some of its oldest clients, is celebrating
From the 1970s through the 2000s, same relationship philosophy with 100 years of broadcasting.
Mendenhall worked closely with the its clients. Myers says, “The Ministry What is Swail most proud of when
late AM radio pioneer Hilmer Swanson, of Communications of Saudi Arabia looking back across GatesAir’s history?
whose methods are still in use today. sent groups of engineers annually for a “In my tenure, it’s easy,” he says. “It’s the
“It was a real thrill to get his ideas into month to Quincy to receive training on resiliency and the drive of the employee
products, and give him a real leadership their network of high-power radio and base. We’ve done a lot in just my five
position in the world,” Mendenhall says. television systems.” short years here. We ramped up for the
The introduction of the first all- Myers joined Harris in 1977 at a peak Repack program — and the resiliency of
digital FM exciter, and the subsequent time of activity, when the work force the employees to get it all done.”
launch of the first HD Radio exciter, was as large as 1,000. He recalls, “The If we were to rewind the clock and
are also “major leaps” in quality and transmitters were all tube-type ampli- find Henry Gates and his son, Parker,
performance Mendenhall says set fiers with newly developed solid-state tinkering with “sound amplifying
GatesAir apart. exciters. An exception was the MW-1 devices,” what could we perhaps thank
solid-state 1kW AM radio transmitter them for as the seeds of GatesAir were
PEOPLE FIRST — a first in the industry. When new being planted?
Another GatesAir veteran who looks products were being designed, we “I hope that they’d be very proud
back on his time at the company with brought in customer focus groups to that the work that they started 100
pride is Dana Myers. He arrived at learn what they needed and wanted.” years ago has endured a long time
GatesAir from General Electric in 1977, Some product lines were created in and evolved because the technologies
and two years later became a Field response to specific needs. One example advanced on so many fronts,” Swail
Service Engineer. From 1983-1994, is the replacement of the 30kw class says. “It started on AM broadcasts and
he was an instructor in the training retrode-based systems with platinum loudspeaker P.A. systems. Now, it’s all
department. Myers then moved into the VHF television transmitters. “The early kinds of advanced digital TV and audio
role of Manager of Television Testing television exciters had dozens of adjust- formats and we are in every market on
Assembly, and once had a staff of 42 ments to correct signal quality and the globe. I’d hope that they’d pat them-
reporting to him. assure spectrum compliance,” Myers selves on the back and say, ‘Job done
“The one thing we had in the says. “Detailing those sequences would well. We set this company in motion
service group was a great camaraderie take up a large part of any training and it still has a significant footprint
of the people, between those of us in class, then require hours of practice right in the heart of the Midwest.’”
the service group that grew up in the by the station engineers to become
company together,” Myers says. “We comfortable with the process. The
watched out for each other’s families current digital exciters have automatic GATESAIR GOES
while the others were gone. The people setup and real-time correction.” TO LAS VEGAS
far exceeded any other part of the GatesAir will be at the NAB Show in
experience.” LOOKING FORWARD, WHILE Las Vegas from April 23-27 at Booth
Myers’ experience and knowledge HONORING THE PAST W7426. Don’t have a pass to attend
about the service side of the Gates/ A University of Manitoba MBA, GatesAir the show? Register with Gates’
Harris business puts him in perhaps a CEO Swail finds himself in a most complimentary guest pass code:
unique position as far as knowing about unusual spot: at the helm of a company LV8746.
how the organization has worked with that continues to innovate and
its customers over the years. And, like remains at the forefront of broadcast
SPRING 2022 · R B R .CO M · 7
ANNOUNCING
BROADCAST TELEVISION’S
BEST LEADERS OF 2022
By popular demand, RBR+TVBR’s reader-generated Honor Roll is back.
And there are big changes in the ranks from 2021.
F
or the fourth consecutive year, nominations made rankings, and reader nominations. As such, there are some
by RBR+TVBR readers — in other words, people who big moves. Last year’s No. 1 is no longer in that spot, nor is last
know the television industry from the inside — fueled year’s No. 2. That said, they are still among the top-ranked
staff research and editorial evaluation in shaping our leaders in an industry that is driven by live programming and
rankings, which began in 2020. local content.
Much has changed since 2019, let alone in the last year. Many of these leaders will likely be in attendance at the
The voluntary rollout of ATSC 3.0 is bringing NEXTGEN TV 2022 NAB Show in Las Vegas, the first conference and expo-
to new markets at a swift clip. Mergers and acquisitions sition for the National Association of Broadcasters since our
continue to consolidate broadcast television, resulting first alphabetical Honor Roll of Broadcast Television’s Best
in the departures of leaders at Quincy Media, Inc., and Leaders appeared. While 2019 may as well be 1999 for some,
Meredith Local Media from our rankings. Those companies one thing mirrors that inaugural list — the individual who
have faded into history, with most of their assets today a was mentioned first on the basis of his surname beginning
part of Gray Television. with an “A” now ranks first based on reader input, station
Gray’s growth is reflected in the rankings, which take into growth, and market-level achievements that continue to
account 2021 full-year revenue, number of stations, market increase.
8 · R B R .CO M · SPRING 2022
1
JACK ABERNETHY
Chief Executive Officer, FOX Television
Stations
2021 Rank: 3
With 29 broadcast television stations across the U.S.
in such onetime Metromedia markets as Los Angeles,
Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., FOX TV
Stations are experiencing a renaissance of sorts in their
local television prowess. These stations’ 10PM newscasts
are often dominant in their markets, including in
Orlando and Tampa-St. Petersburg. Properties in
Phoenix and San Francisco are also standouts, as are
owned-and-operated facilities in Detroit, Philadelphia,
Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Minneapolis,
Milwaukee, Jacksonville, and Phoenix.
Overseeing them all is Jack Abernethy, who is
the top-ranked leader in broadcast television for the
first time. From August 2016 until May 2018, he was
President of FOX News Network. Early in his tenure for
FOX, which began 25 years ago, he served as CFO for
FOX News Network.
With Jack in command, FOX Television Stations
now produces more than 1,000 hours of local news
per week, adding almost 200 hours per week over the
last five years. FOX notes that this is the most of any
owned-and-operated station group.
Also noteworthy is that FOX TV Stations has
launched more nationally syndicated programs than
any other group. In autumn 2022, new talk shows Jack Abernethy
hosted by Sherri Shepherd and Jennifer Hudson,
along with the Pictionary game show featuring Jerry
O’Connell, will bow. Furthermore, FOX TV Stations has “FAST channels and OTT have the
entered the OTT arena with the creation and launch of
FOX Soul and LiveNow from FOX.
potential to be interactive, which is
The promise of improved TV reception, along beneficial in creating bonds between
with better sound and the sharpest picture yet,
for broadcast TV is one that Jack believes in. With the viewer and our talent and
NEXTGEN TV expanding and the pandemic easing,
what does he think broadcast TV leaders should be programming. This model allows for
focused on in the year ahead?
“We are continuing to make NEXTGEN operational content that wouldn’t be possible on
in every market as quickly as possible,” Abernethy
says. “There will be huge opportunities to monetize
a linear broadcast.”
the platform in the years ahead. Here, we focus on — Jack Abernethy
excelling at our base business including linear,
streaming, and digital. We are constantly evolving our will be in 2032, and where future leaders will come from.
mindset and broadening our scope of how we recruit talent. “Ten years is a long time, but we can be sure that Nielsen will
We have an enormous opportunity to reinvent struggling still be saying that improvement to their panel is imminent,”
platforms, including the old syndication model.” he said, taking a swipe at the nation’s dominant audience
With FOX Soul and LiveNow in the OTT space, does measurement company, which NBCUniversal decided will not
Abernethy believe broadcast TV has much to gain as digital be used as currency for its 2022 Upfront season.
consumption of “television” grows? He replies, “Broadcasters Regarding future industry leaders, Abernethy says they
have had competitive challenges since the early days of will be entrepreneurial people who are motivated to serve the
television. At FOX, we align our broadcast TV with our AVOD public and compete successfully for people’s attention. “My
strategy, which is advertiser-focused both on our TV channels advice to them is to take risks and seek ideas outside of their
and [OTT platform] Tubi. FAST Channels and OTT have the comfort zone,” he says. “The challenge is to have a culture that
potential to be interactive, which is beneficial in creating embraces constant evolution and change. They don’t want to
bonds between the viewer and our talent and programming. be part of the stagnant ‘we have never done this before’ team.”
This model allows for content that wouldn’t be possible on a FOX “will always be the place for large-scale events like
linear broadcast. However, we see broadcast TV continuing to NFL football,” he declares — even as Amazon Video takes over
deliver the best live experience, whether that be news, sports, Thursday Night Football rights. As for local news, Abernethy
or entertainment programming.” believes it will remain “a critically important and profitable
Abernethy was also asked where he thinks broadcast TV business that will stand out in a crowded marketplace.”
SPRING 2022 · R B R .CO M · 9
2
PERRY SOOK Does broadcast TV have much to gain, or perhaps to be
Chairman/CEO and Founder, Nexstar Media frightened of, as AVOD, FAST Channels, and OTT continue
Group to grow? Sook replies, “For years, we have been in an
2021 Rank: 7 environment where consumers have had multiple viewing
choices. Local broadcast signals continue to account for the
In 2020, he ranked No. 1. Now, he’s back near the top of the list lion’s share of viewing on bundles — meaning consumers
after a short-lived dip in 2021. continue to place a high value on the local content, news,
Safe to say Perry Sook will likely be near or at the top of sports, and other programming we deliver.
the rankings for quite some time, given Nexstar’s continued “Second, similar to our distribution arrangements with
growth in broadcast television and for its cable offerings. MVPDs and satellite operators, Nexstar is paid for the right
These include NewsNation, which continues to reinvent itself to air our signals on many OTT and streaming platforms.
under the leadership of Sean Compton. So the gain for Nexstar has been the growing awareness
Nexstar’s leadership role in the deployment of NEXTGEN of the value of our content on any platform and our ability
TV is also noteworthy; as it expands, is there one thing Sook’s to be compensated for the distribution of that content to
peers should focus on in the year ahead? Keep the rollouts consumers on any platform.”
happening, because there are dollars to be had. One of the reasons Sook places at No. 2 this year is
“Last year, Nexstar deployed NEXTGEN TV in 17 more Nexstar’s commitment to “DEI,” noted by readers who voted
markets, and we are on pace to convert stations reaching 50% for him. “At Nexstar, diversity, equity, and inclusion are part
of the U.S. population by year-end 2022,” Sook says. “Nexstar of Nexstar’s core values,” Sook says. “We believe that the staffs
is among the nation’s largest holders of spectrum and we are at our TV stations, digital business, and corporate leadership
excited about the myriad new revenue opportunities this should reflect the communities in which we do business.”
spectrum presents. According to a recent BIA study, NEXTGEN He praised Courtney Williams, now Nexstar’s Chief
TV could generate up to $15 billion in additional broadcast Diversity Officer, for championing the company’s DEI efforts.
revenue by 2030 through datacasting services.” “The media industry has made strides on this front over the
As for the near term, Nexstar is focused on driving last few years, and we need to continue to do more,” Sook
continued growth in core ad revenue, maximizing the 2022 says. These efforts could likely impact where the broadcast TV
political advertising opportunity, and further growing its industry’s future leaders will arise.
digital businesses. Lastly, Sook was asked if he’d have believed back in 1993
that he’d become the head of the largest
licensee of broadcast television stations
in the U.S. He replies, “I knew at a young
age that my future was in broadcasting.
Growing up in Western Pennsylvania,
my dream was to be the play-by-play
announcer for the Pittsburgh Pirates,
but I moved to another path, which
was operating and then owning TV
stations. From Nexstar’s founding in
1996, we were focused on creating scale
because we knew it would enable us
to create high-quality local news and
programming while being efficient.
As the media landscape evolved, it
became even clearer that our operating
practices and disciplines were driving
great results and that we could acquire
other stations and station groups and
materially improve both their local
programming and our financial results.
“Building Nexstar has been my
passion, and I have had a great team to
help me do it,” he concludes. “The older
you get, the more you think about what
you’ll be remembered for. If someone
says Nexstar incubated retransmission
consent revenue for the television station
industry, built the largest full-service
television station group in the business,
and helped to create the largest woman-
owned television station group, then
we’ve done well by the industry and
for our company, and did good in the
Perry Sook
communities that we serve.”
10 · R B R . C O M · SPRING 2022Pat LaPlatney
3
PAT LaPLATNEY
President and co-CEO, Gray Television
2021 Rank: 5
It’s a busy time for Gray Television, and that
means Pat LaPlatney has placed a laser focus on his
responsibilities while thanking RBR+TVBR for an
honor in which he’s now ranked third on Broadcast
Television’s Best Leaders list for 2022.
It’s a steady rise for LaPlatney, who ranked No. 6 in
2020. And why not? Gray continues to grow, having
merged with Meredith Local Media and Quincy Media,
Inc., within the last 18 months. It’s also investing
in Telemundo affiliates in emerging U.S. Hispanic
markets, and grabbing low-power TV stations across Jordan Wertlieb
the nation to not only ensure full DMA coverage in a
4
cord-cutting world but also to maximize its Broadcast
Internet and full ATSC 3.0 revenue potential. JORDAN WERTLIEB
LaPlatney came to Gray through its merger with President, Hearst Television
Raycom Media, where he served as President/CEO. 2021 Rank: 2
Before taking that role, LaPlatney was Raycom’s VP of
Digital Media and Business Development. He joined For nine years, Jordan Wertlieb has been president
Raycom in 2007 following nearly seven years at of a company with a rich history in U.S. media. He’s been
Westwood One and Metro Networks, working on the based in Midtown Manhattan since January 2011, when
TV and digital side of the business. he relocated there to take on the role of EVP of Hearst
Television. Today, he oversees all of the TV stations, its
SPRING 2022 · R B R . C O M · 11c o n g r at u l at i o n s pat
What an Honor For the third year in a row,
our friend and colleague,
Pat LaPlatney, has had the
distinction of being selected
as one of Radio+Television
Business Report’s Broadcast
Television’s Best Leaders.
His work in and dedication
to the industry is
unparalleled.“The relationship with the Television, the Very Local platform and the products of
local community is hard to the recently launched Hearst Media Production Group
demonstrate the company’s commitment to this.
replicate because it takes That said, Wertlieb believes there’s much more to
come with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “It
years to establish, and no is about commitment of resources and focus. In order to
be truly transformative, every day it must be top-of-mind
one has a better relationship in all aspects of the business — content decisions, hiring,
recruiting, training, and team-building. Many in the industry
or understanding of their have made major investments toward DEI, and we are seeing
local communities than local some results. However, broadcasting, like many other
industries, has a long way to go.”
broadcasters.” What does the future for broadcast TV look like in
Wertlieb’s eyes? “Broadcasting seems to have decades where
— Jordan Wertlieb a particular discipline is front and center,” he says. “News
directors and sales managers traditionally have been the
digital properties and two radio stations in Baltimore: training ground for a majority of the industry’s leadership,
WBAL and “98 Rock.” but down the road we will see much greater diversity
The highly respected leader is also the immediate past of expertise. Leaders with backgrounds in distribution,
chairman of the NAB Joint Board of Directors and was programming, and all aspects of digital media will be at the
previously chairman of its television board. He is also Vice leadership table, and the industry will be better for it.”
Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation of America board. That’s because, in his view, the broadcast industry
Not bad for an individual who began his TV career 36 “continues to defy expectations.” And it will continue
years ago as a Katz Communications research analyst. to do so for years to come. “The relationship with the
Today, Wertlieb believes broadcasters should always be local community is hard to replicate because it takes
focused on one thing more than anything else: content. years to establish, and no one has a better relationship
Meanwhile, he believes broadcast TV should, and is, or understanding of their local communities than local
embracing AVOD, FAST Channels, and OTT. At Hearst broadcasters,” Wertlieb concludes.
5
BRIAN LAWLOR
President of Local Media,
The E.W. Scripps Co.
2021 Rank: 1
One should not think for a minute that Brian Lawlor, or
Scripps, is suddenly diminished in importance. On the
contrary, The E.W. Scripps Co.’s assets, which now include
Ion Television, are bigger than ever. In putting together our
2022 rankings, total revenue and market size, along with
reader votes, all played significant roles in the finalization
of our list.
Also keep in mind that Lawlor was ranked No. 11 in
2020.
With oversight of 61 television stations in 41 markets,
Lawlor’s leadership extends to such stations as WXYZ-7 in
Detroit, WEWS-5 in Cleveland, and WCPO-9 in Cincinnati.
There are also smaller markets including San Luis Obispo,
Calif., that continue to shine for Scripps.
Of the topics Lawlor wished to discuss in recognition
of this year’s honor, DEI tops the list. He says, “I have been
happy to see the increased focus on diversity, equity, and
inclusion in the broadcast TV business over the last two
years, but we still have a long way to go.”
Those thoughts echo those of Hearst’s Jordan Wertlieb.
Lawlor continues, “Broadcasts are best when they
represent their communities. One way to do that is to have
a staff that reflects the diversity of its community, not
just on-air but also in the newsroom and in leadership.
It is essential that content decisions include diversity of
thought and background so the experiences of the entire Brian Lawlor
community can be accurately represented.”
SPRING 2022 · R B R . C O M · 13Congratulations
Brian Lawlor PRESIDENT, LOCAL MEDIA
RADIO + TELEVISION BUSINESS REPORT’S
RADIOBROADCAST
2022 + TELEVISION BUSINESS
TELEVISION’S BESTREPORT’S
LEADERS
2022 BROADCAST TELEVISION’S BEST LEADERS
Thank you for your mission-driven leadership that supports
our vision of creating a better-informed world.6
CHRIS RIPLEY
President/CEO, Sinclair
Broadcast Group
2021 Rank: 10
Sinclair has been at the forefront in
designing changes to how content
is transmitted over-the-air, which
is the foundation of the NextGen
Broadcast digital standard. “It’s
now recognized worldwide as the
most efficient way to send data,
merging over-the-air broadcasting
with the Internet,” says Chris Ripley,
President/CEO of Sinclair Broadcast
Group. “We believe the future of
broadcast is not tied to the sole
purpose of video distribution, but
will involve a myriad of new data
businesses that are enabled by this
new way of transmitting data.”
With NEXTGEN TV poised
to open up new opportunities,
and Sinclair perhaps the biggest
broadcast television company
involved in its rollout, Ripley has
climbed to No. 6 in our rankings.
He was No. 8 in 2020. “NextGen
brings improved picture and
audio quality, an enhanced
Chris Ripley viewer experience, mobility and
targeting opportunities, advanced
alerting and information, and
remote learning … this is just the
beginning of how technology can
improve lives,” Ripley says.
SINCLAIR LIGHTS UP CAPITOL HILL-FOCUSED That said, Sinclair’s profile has
DIGITAL AD HOUSE also risen with Sunday-morning
public affairs and politics
A new business development unit saw its launch by Sinclair Broadcast program Full Measure with Sharyl
Group on March 28, and it’s squarely focused on marketing and advertising Attkisson, airing across Sinclair’s
services for the federal government. television stations; The National
According to Sinclair, Free State Strategic Service’s mission is to Desk, a newscast airing across
provide D.C.-based agencies and entities, in addition to those on the state Sinclair properties that began in
and local level, targeted digital marketing and advertising opportunities. January 2021; and its Bally Sports
This, Sinclair says, is designed to help government agencies communicate Regional Networks. Marquee
with the American public effectively and efficiently. Sports Network, launched for the
Sinclair explains, “Free State Strategic Services’ goal is to provide targeted Chicago Cubs baseball team, is
solutions that generate impact, raise awareness, and produce meaningful also making waves for its direct-
results. Free State will operate across a variety of industries, prioritizing to-consumer proposal — another
opportunities within the defense, healthcare, and education sectors.” innovation from a company whose
The new unit will be led by Brandon Nickerson, Director for Federal subsidiaries include Dielectric,
Business Development. Nickerson has over a decade of experience in the transmitter manufacturer
Washington, D.C., and has served in a variety of business development and headquartered in Maine.
government affairs roles, including on Capitol Hill, at the U.S. Chamber of As such, Sinclair has moved past
Commerce, and as a consultant within the national security space. the Ajit Pai-era troubles with the
In making the launch announcement, Antonia DeFeo, Corporate Vice FCC and is poised for multiplatform
President of Agency Solutions, said, “The creation of Free State Strategic riches, all with the same goal —
Services spearheads our efforts to expand Sinclair’s digital marketing and providing its viewers, regardless of
advertising offerings at the state and local level, and develop Free State as a platform, with quality content on a
leader in the federal marketplace.” local and national level.
SPRING 2022 · R B R . C O M · 15CONGRATULATES
Chris Ripley Del Parks
President and CEO President of Technology
Honored by as Honored by as
ONE OF BROADCAST #1 – TOP TECH
TELEVISION’S BEST LEADER IN
LEADERS BROADCASTING7
LYNN BEALL broadcasters to rethink how they may best serve
EVP/COO, TEGNA their communities and how new distribution
2021 Rank: NEW paths open up fresh routes to monetization.
“That’s one of the reasons we launched Premion,
which allows advertisers to reach their target
In past years, RBR+TVBR readers honored markets on streaming platforms,” she says.
Dave Lougee, the President/CEO of the company What about the unrelenting growth of AVOD,
formerly known as Gannett. In 2022, they turned FAST Channels, and OTT? “Our industry is
their attention to Lynn Beall, who leads increasingly recognizing that we need
operations across the company’s 64 to be present on all of these platforms,
broadcast stations. and you see most local station groups
With a leadership transition set beginning to embrace these paths,”
to occur following the acquisition Beall says. “We need to embrace the
Lynn Beall
of TEGNA by a partnership led by capabilities these new paths offer
Soohyung Kim’s Standard General and redefine our product.”
and including Apollo Global Management, the selection of At TEGNA, local sports podcast network LockedOn was
Beall is perhaps appropriate, as Lougee will be succeed by acquired, bringing “the passion and engagement of local sports
Deb McDermott. This puts women in the top two positions commentary and news” into video streaming environments.
of a new TEGNA. “That is just the tip of the iceberg,” Beall believes.
Beall is expected to remain in the role, as of press time. Where does Beall see broadcast TV in 2032, and where are
This will further tap into her experience as President/ the future industry leaders rising up?
GM of KSDK-5 in St. Louis and, before that, programming, “I’m an optimist,” she says. “First, companies that continue
marketing, and sales positions for such TEGNA properties as to embrace local communities will not only survive but thrive
WUSA-9 in Washington, D.C., and KPNX-12 in Phoenix. by staying nimble, never settling for the status quo, and taking
Speaking to RBR+TVBR about her honor and where the advantage of new capabilities. The work we’ve done with ‘Near
industry sits today, Beall says, “There is obviously a wide- Me’ to embrace citizen journalism, for example, shows me that
ranging evolution of distribution including streaming and there is a powerful force for good just waiting to be unleashed.”
eventually NEXTGEN TV. The one thing that won’t change, Lastly, Beall believes the industry will fully realize entirely
however, is the need to deliver great content that meets the new paths to monetization. “Targeted advertising, commerce,
needs of our local communities.” and lead generation are but a few examples of the new forms
That said, Beall believes it’s an interesting time for of monetization that might emerge.”
IT’S TIME. TO RETHINK.
TO REFRESH. TO REFOCUS.
Radio Ink and the Center for Sales Strategies are pleased to present the “Radio Masters Sales Summit,”
September 22-23 at the Intercontinental at Doral in beautiful Miami.
SAVE THE DATE!
2022 Summit Sponsors:
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For more information: REFRESH. Chairman’s Circle
REFOCUS.
RADIO MASTERS Platinum
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September 22-23 • Intercontinental at Doral, Miami FL Radio Wayne Awards
SPRING 2022 · R B R . C O M · 17TEGNA
salutes our own
Lynn Beall
Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer
of Media Operations
Congratulations
on being selected
as one of Broadcast
Television’s Best Leaders.
Your leadership, vision and
dedication are invaluable to
all of us at TEGNA.8
BYRON ALLEN
Chairman/CEO, Allen Media
Group
2021 Rank: No. 11
If there’s any one individual in broadcast
television today who has emerged as
a champion of the medium; of the
continued fight for diversity, equity, and
inclusion across the entire industry;
and as the biggest potential buyer of
full-power television stations, it is Byron
Allen. Yes, that Byron Allen.
Some still associate Allen with the
NBC prime-time reality series Real People,
which aired 40 years ago. Today, Allen
presides over an ever-growing enterprise
that includes Entertainment Studios
and broadcast TV station owner Allen
Media Group. He also owns The Weather
Channel, and the Local Now OTT service.
Allen desires more — including the
support of McDonald’s, which he has sued
for racial discrimination. That case moved
forward with a court ruling in January
dismissing the quick service restaurant
company’s request for a dismissal.
With properties including KVOA-4
in Tucson, KITV-4 in Honolulu, and
WJRT-12 in Flint, Mich., among 21
over-the-air facilities Allen Media owns Byron Allen
alongside the Local Now enterprise,
Allen is confident the coexistence of
free-to-air and over-the-top viewing
choices is the future of local TV. WEATHER CHANNEL AND CBS
“Broadcast television has much to FORGE CONTENT PACT
gain,” he says. “Last year 93 of the top
100 television shows aired on a ‘Big Four’ A content collaboration agreement has been forged between The
network affiliate. Right now, there is no Weather Channel, owned by Byron Allen, and CBS News. This, the
close second.” groups say, will bring “enhanced weather and climate reporting” to CBS
Meanwhile, Allen’s fight for a proper News, combining “the expertise and technology” of the organizations.
level of diversity, equity, and inclusion In particular, CBS will benefit from The Weather Channel’s Immersive
in broadcast TV continues. Is it where he Mixed Reality (IMR) technology, giving viewers a virtual view into real-time
believes it should be today, compared weather conditions.
to perhaps two years ago, given the As TWC and CBS describe, “By deploying HDR, 360-degree cameras,
efforts seen across many industries? camera tracking, and the ‘Unreal Engine, Zero Density Reality Hub,’ the
“Absolutely not.” IMR technology allows viewers to visualize future weather forecasts.”
Once DEI and discrimination are fully The reports originate from the Weather Channel’s Atlanta
addressed, broadcast TV can perhaps headquarters and will include live reports from TWC’s best-known
fully capitalize on its continuing status weather reporters: Stephanie Abrams, Jim Cantore, and Mike Bettes. The
as a leader for viewed programming. And entire Weather Channel meteorological and newsgathering team will also
that programming will undoubtedly support CBS’s efforts.
include syndicated fare. When will viewers see the reports? In a move that posits CBS’s
“Syndicated programming is national news programs away from those of ABC and NBC, The Weather
extremely important,” Allen says. Channel reports will be integrated into the CBS Mornings, CBS Saturday
“Syndicated programming provides local Morning, and the struggling CBS Evening News telecast helmed at present
broadcast television stations high-end by Norah O’Donnell.
content and advertisers efficient media Additionally, long-form production of weather programming is in the
placement and enormous value.” works, as the CBS News investigative team and the Weather Channel’s
meteorological and newsgathering teams will partner on special
investigative climate reports.
SPRING 2022 · R B R . C O M · 1910
ROB HUBBARD
President/CEO, Hubbard Television Group
2021 Rank: NEW
In 2019, the first year Broadcast Television’s Best Leaders
appeared in the spring edition of RBR+TVBR’s print
magazine, readers saluted the Hubbard Broadcasting leader
most familiar to the industry: CEO Ginny Morris. At the time,
she transferred the honor to Rob Hubbard, her brother.
Today, Rob Hubbard has made the list fully on his
own, with leadership over such properties as KSTP-5 in
Emily Barr
9
EMILY BARR
President/CEO (Retired), Graham Media
Group
2021 Rank: No. 4
As 2022 began, so did the goodbyes for Emily Barr, the
head of a television station group that includes NBC
affiliate WDIV-4 in Detroit and such stations as WSLS-10
in Roanoke-Lynchburg and WKMG-6 in Orlando. Born
out of the Post-Newsweek Stations, GMG is now led by
Catherine Badalamente, formerly Graham Media’s VP/
Chief Innovation Officer and a 22-year company veteran
who has been spearheading the company’s digital
efforts since 2009.
In early March, Barr quietly stepped away from the
company; its headquarters returned to Detroit from Rob Hubbard
Chicago, where Barr is based.
Timothy J. O’Shaughnessy, Graham Holdings
Company’s CEO, saluted Barr, who joined the company
a decade ago. “Emily’s leadership has been critical
“One challenge which has
to the company’s success,” he said. “Graham Media received little attention is, with
Group has continued its tenure as a best-in-class
operator, and Emily has led the organization to receive OTT now being a measurable
numerous awards and achieve record earnings. Her
deep commitment to the communities we serve has part of local linear television
been unparalleled. But perhaps the greatest element of
her legacy is the excellence of the team she has built, as
distribution, there are a number
evidenced by her successor.”
Asked in 2021 what the top three characteristics
of independent stations who
needed to lead people in broadcast television through cannot get their local services
2030 are, Barr offered three words: curiosity, empathy,
and intelligence. carried.”
— Rob Hubbard
20 · R B R . C O M · SPRING 2022Minneapolis-St. Paul and WNYT-13 in Albany, N.Y. He is one “One challenge which has received little attention is, with
of the third generation of broadcasters at Hubbard. And, in OTT now being a measurable part of local linear television
addition to the broadcast TV stations, Hubbard oversees the distribution, there are a number of independent stations who
cable and satellite network REELZCHANNEL. There is also cannot get their local services carried,” he tells RBR+TVBR.
F&F Productions, one of the oldest privately held mobile “The relationship is negotiated between the vMVPD and the
production facilities providers in the United States. networks, which leaves no room for local independents to
While Hubbard has taken a slow approach to NEXTGEN get carriage. The real losers are the local communities who
TV (its WNYT was noticeably absent from the late March 2022 cannot get these local services. The entertainment, local news,
rollout of ATSC 3.0-delivered television signals in New York’s local public service, and local sports which are produced
Capital District), Hubbard is keen on digital consumption and carried by these independents is a real loss for local
growth fueling free-to-air TV in the years ahead. communities.”
“OTT will allow local
stations to offer even
more local content
and go deep into
their communities.
At the same time, it
creates a fragmented
viewing environment
where it’s tougher to
get enough audience
to be meaningful to
advertisers.”
— Jimmy Goodmon
11
to broadcast in 4K HD. In summer 2016, Capitol launched
JIMMY GOODMON a NEXTGEN TV station, one year before viewers in homes
President/COO, Capitol Broadcasting could access it.
Corp. “We need to focus on the new capabilities of NEXTGEN
2021 Rank: NEW TV and how we make viewers aware of them,” Goodmon
tells RBR+TVBR. “We need to explore how we use the
He’s described as a lifelong broadcaster with a passion targeted advertising of NEXTGEN TV quickly and,
for the business. Jimmy Goodm0n started his career in hopefully, easily.”
family-owned Capitol Broadcasting as a camera operator for Goodmon also believes it is critical for broadcasters to be
WRAL-5’s 5AM newscast — before heading off to high school compensated by “big tech” for all of the content they monetize
later in the morning. by reposting or having it appear in their feeds. “It is crucial
Since September 2017, he’s been responsible for all that we go deep in our markets to the extent it protects us
of Capitol Broadcasting’s operating divisions. And he’s from future changes to the station/network relationship and
continued innovation at WRAL-5 and sibling WRAZ-50 ensures local stations survive because of their indisputable
that saw the stations in 2014 becoming the nation’s first value to the local community,” he says.
22 · R B R . C O M · SPRING 2022www.tvradiolibrary.org
P R O U D LY C E L E B R AT E S
2022 INAUGURAL
INSIGHT AWARD RECIPIENT
LeVar Burton
In recognition of your extraordinary contributions to
broadcasting, history and American culture
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation serves the philanthropic arm of the Library of American Broadcasting, considered
one of the nation’s most extensive collection of broadcast history, policy and tradition, including historical documents,professional
papers, oral and video histories, books, scripts and photographs. The collection is preserved at the University of Maryland.As WRAL and WRAZ are pioneers
12
in ATSC 3.0, what is the datacasting
potential for these stations and for MIKE MEARA
the industry? “Datacasting is a very President/Broadcast, News-Press
interesting opportunity,” he says. “Being & Gazette Co.
able to sell leftover spectrum as a service 2021 Rank: 12
has huge potential if we can get it right.
Supporting the IOT world, helping Like Capitol Broadcasting Co., News-Press & Gazette’s television stations
other businesses offload data, and other have been at the forefront of broadcast TV’s tech advancements. By
opportunities such as connected cars or early 2019, its three Santa Barbara, Calif.-based TV stations serving
enhanced GPS all have the potential to be California’s Central Coast hosted members of the Advanced Television
game-changers. It’s too early to say what Systems Committee, with ABC affiliate KEYT-3 becoming an early
the best use of this bandwidth will be, but adopter of NEXTGEN Television.
now is the time to start experimenting As the voluntary rollout of ATSC 3.0 continues, Mike Meara
and learning as much as possible.” comments, “Embrace the transition, learn, and apply the business
For all of the tech advancements seen cases being made. We are encouraged by the investment companies
across the last decade at WRAL and WRAZ, that are beginning to position themselves for success with NEXTGEN.”
Goodmon looks at the growth of digital This explains why News-Press & Gazette is not frightened by new
viewing platforms with some trepidation. technologies, nor does it want to ignore them or wish them away. “Our
“While there is plenty to gain, we have to goal is to embrace understanding any new technology or distribution
acknowledge there are also many reasons platform and find ways to use them to serve
for concern and caution,” he says. “OTT our local communities and monetize
will allow local stations to offer even them,” Meara says.
more local content and go deep into their Asked where he sees the industry
communities. At the same time, it creates in a decade, Meara replies, “We see
a fragmented viewing environment where a continued need for localism and
it’s tougher to get enough audience to be connecting our communities in 2032.
meaningful to advertisers.” We see a strong advertising business
Asked about DEI commitments driven by addressable video advertising,
across the industry and within his along with a healthy political spending
organization, Goodmon replies, “Some market. We also see a maturing NEXTGEN
broadcasting entities have remarkable market with new business models based
diversity, while others clearly have a lot on datacasting.
of work to do.All levels of a broadcast TV “With respect to future leaders, we are
organization should reflect the diversity having success finding our future leaders
represented in the communities we serve. within our company. We have had
One risk of not doing that is that we success finding young talent,
could miss tremendous business either home-grown or
opportunities simply because recruited to the market, with
we may not be thinking the a commitment to the local
way our customers think. community and an eye
Beyond the business toward experimentation
imperative, though, is the and innovation. Fresh
moral imperative. Diversity, perspectives and ideas
equity, and inclusion needs have made us a stronger
to be measured, discussed, and more nimble
prioritized, and part of company.”
an ongoing mission. The
importance of DEI initiatives
cannot be overstated, and
must become standard.”
Mike Meara
24 · R B R . C O M · SPRING 2022You can also read
