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The International Radio and Television Society Foundation Elects Leo MacCourtney, President of Katz Television Group, as New Board Chairman

The International Radio and Television Society Foundation (IRTS), a charitable organization dedicated to building the next generation of media leaders and increasing diversity, today announced Leo MacCourtney has been elected to Chairman.  

A well-respected media veteran, MacCourtney is President of Katz Television Group, the nation’s leading television advertising sales organization, driving growth for its more than 800 television station partners and their digital extensions.  MacCourtney has served for over 25 years as an active IRTS board member in various roles, including the finance committee, Vice-Chairman, and now Chairman.  

As Chairman, MacCourtney is dedicated to the IRTS mission of bringing together the wisdom of yesterday’s founders, the power of today’s leaders, and the promise of tomorrow’s young professionals to make sure that the future in media accurately reflects the diverse demographic of today’s media consumers. To achieve this, IRTS provides education and direct industry access through a series of academic programs, major events, and mentorship pipelines. 

“IRTS provides young people across the nation with meaningful ways to work and connect with high-level executives and companies in the media industry,” said MacCourtney.  “I’m extremely proud to help lead IRTS in its mission to support and mentor the next generation of media leaders with diversity at the core.”   

During his career, MacCourtney has served as Chairman of the Television Bureau of Advertising.  He also serves on boards of the Emma Bowen Foundation, the Washington Media Scholars Foundation and is the Treasurer for the Broadcasters Foundation of America.  

“We are thrilled to welcome a new Board Chairman who has already played a key role in the success of IRTS,” said IRTS President and CEO Joyce Tudryn. “Leo’s unprecedented participation in our programs, unwavering dedication to our mission, and wise counsel over the years perfectly position us to expand upon the program growth achieved during the tenure of outgoing Chair Debra O’Connell, President of Networks at Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. We are honored to now have Leo’s leadership at the helm!”

IRTS’s academic programs include the Summer Fellowship Program, Multicultural Career Workshop, Broadcast Sales Associate Program, and Faculty/Industry Seminar. 

To learn more, visit: www.irtsfoundation.org

About IRTS:  

The IRTS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity, which brings together the wisdom and power of today’s leaders to train and educate the next generation of media and communication professionals through its many educational programs and diversity initiatives.

About Katz Television Group: 

Katz Television Group is America’s leading television sales organization serving as the trusted sales partner to nearly 80 broadcast companies, including nearly 800 television stations and their digital platform extension.  As the leading expert in television advertising solutions, Katz uses its unparalleled national reach to help advertisers connect with local audiences at scale and with impact.  The company is dedicated to using the latest technology, data and strategic insights to create custom campaigns that target advertisers’ needs and deliver results in markets across the country.  Katz Television Group is based in New York City with ten regional offices nationwide. 

Katz Television Group Names Joni Sinelli Executive Vice President, Director of Sales of the Midwest Region

New Position Highlights Katz’s Dedicated Focus to Advocate and Develop New Business for Broadcast Television

Katz Television Group, the nation’s leading television advertising sales organization, announced today that media industry veteran Joni Sinelli has been named Executive Vice President, Director of Sales overseeing the Midwest region, effective immediately.  Sinelli will be based in Detroit and will report to Craig Broitman, Chief Operating Officer of Katz Television Group.  

In her new role, Sinelli will oversee the Katz offices in Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit, driving strategy and results for the region’s station partners and advertisers.  This newly created position is dedicated to increasing day-to-day business effectiveness and service.  Sinelli will also continue to spearhead Katz’s advocacy efforts for local TV in the Midwest region.

Sinelli is a 23-year veteran of the Katz team and has worked in several different roles, including Senior Vice President, Director of Sales; Sales Manager; and Account Executive.  Prior to Katz, Sinelli worked at Adam Outdoor Advertising, as was a media buyer at the former J. Walter Thompson (now GTB) in Detroit. As a key member of the Detroit advertising community for over 25 years, Sinelli has extensive knowledge and relationships in the automotive category from a buying and selling perspective and serves as an advocate for the sector.

Sinelli is a member of the TVB, TVB Auto Task Force, NAB, Adcraft Advertising Club of Detroit, ANA, Automotive News: Leading Women Network and 313 Digital.

“We’re thrilled to have someone with Joni’s extensive industry background leading our Midwest teams.  Her media and agency experience, as well as knowledge in the auto sector will drive strategies that lead to growth for our station partners and their advertisers,” said Leo MacCourtney, President of Katz Television Group.     

“With Katz, marketers can seamlessly achieve local impact on a national scale. I’m excited to expand my role at this powerhouse organization, and lead the Midwest teams in engaging brands and advocating on behalf of our station partners,” said Joni Sinelli, EVP, Director of Sales of Katz Television Group.

About Katz Television Group: 

Katz Television Group is America’s leading television sales organization serving as the trusted sales partner to nearly 80 broadcast companies, including nearly 800 television stations and their digital platform extension.  As the leading expert in television advertising solutions, Katz uses its unparalleled national reach to help advertisers connect with local audiences at scale and with impact.  The company is dedicated to using the latest technology, data and strategic insights to create custom campaigns that target advertisers’ needs and deliver results in markets across the country.  Katz Television Group is based in New York City with 10 regional offices nationwide. 

Katz Media Group Raises a Total of $350,000 for the Broadcasters Foundation of America 

All Money Raised During the 10th Annual Membership Drive Supports Radio and Television Broadcasters in Need

New York, NY – The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces Katz Media Group has raised over $45,500 for the Foundation during its 10th annual companywide membership drive, bringing the total amount raised to over $350,000 since the drive’s inception.

Led by Mark Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Katz Media Group; Christine Travaglini, President of Katz Radio Group; and Leo MacCourtney, President of Katz Television Group — all money raised during the annual two-week campaign goes toward the Stu Olds Memorial Fund that commemorates Katz’s former CEO and supports the Foundation’s mission to provide financial support to radio and television professionals in acute need.  Last year, the Broadcasters Foundation gave out a record amount of grants to broadcasters for necessities ranging from medical care to everyday essentials. This includes one-time emergency grants given to victims of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires. 

As longtime champions of the Broadcasters Foundation, Olds, Gray and MacCourtney all served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“It’s an honor to continue Stu’s legacy and give back to our incredible industry. As a board member, I have seen firsthand all the good the Foundation does.  I’m incredibly proud and appreciative of the continued generosity of the Katz team to support the Foundation, and give to colleagues in need,” said Mark Gray, Chief Executive Officer for Katz Media Group.

“We are grateful to Mark, Leo, Christine and the entire team at Katz for their continued support of our charitable cause,” noted Jim Thompson, President of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “Every day, our only purpose at the Foundation is to provide aid to those in our industry who need it most, whether it be monthly assistance from life-altering circumstances or a one-time emergency grants to help victims of natural disasters. With the help from our friends and colleagues at Katz, we can help more broadcasters in need across the country.”

The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund, corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

About the Broadcasters Foundation of America:

The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life and maintain the personal dignity of men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. The Foundation reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net in cases of critical illness, advanced age, death of a spouse, accident and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity. www.broadcastersfoundation.org

About Katz Media Group:

Katz Media Group is the leading media sales organization that provides advertisers with the power of local impact on a national scale.  Katz seamlessly activates influential connections with over 200 million weekly consumers across the country through its two companies — Katz Radio Group and Katz Television Group — collectively representing more than 3,300 radio stations, 800 television stations, and their digital platforms.  As a trusted sales partner, Katz is dedicated to using the latest technology, data and strategic insights to create custom campaigns that target advertisers’ needs and deliver results in every market across the country. Katz is based in New York City with a total of 14 regional offices nationwide.

Leo MacCourtney Named Chairman of TVB, the Trade Association of America’s Local Broadcast Television Industry

New York – TVB, the not-for-profit trade association of America’s local broadcast television industry, announced today that Leo MacCourtney, President of Katz Television Group, has been elected to serve as TVB Chairman for a two-year term (2019-2020). A member of TVB’s Board of Directors since 2005, Mr. MacCourtney most recently served as treasurer. He assumes the Chairman’s position previously held by Perry A. Sook, Founder, Chairman, President and CEO of Nexstar Media Group, Inc., who completed his two-year term at 2018 year-end.  

Leo MacCourtney stated, “I’m grateful to follow Perry Sook’s leadership in the role of TVB Chairman as we continue our work on initiatives to support the future growth and innovation of the local broadcast TV industry and our over 800 member stations. Broadcast TV maintains its central position in America’s households because locally delivered programming informs, entertains and enriches the daily lives of viewers. For that reason, local broadcast TV remains the dominant ad-medium for national agencies, small- to mid-sized businesses and political campaigns to reach and influence consumer and voter decisions.

“As the broadcast TV industry continues to evolve across all screens and devices, so has TVB’s mission to increase collaboration between media agencies, advertising sales reps and broadcasters to support our shared goals for sustainable local TV growth. As Chairman, I look forward to working with the leadership to execute TVB’s initiatives that benefit our members including expanding revenue generation opportunities; driving local sales; setting accurate measurement and currency standards; reinforcing the power of our platform; continuing local TV’s focus on digital strategies and advancing the thought leadership at our annual Forward Conference.”

Leo MacCourtney has over 37 years of professional experience in the broadcasting industry, covering all facets of the business, including serving as President of Blair Television from 1998 to 2007.  Mr. MacCourtney joined Katz Television Group, the nation’s leading TV representation company, in 2007 as Vice President of Business Development and was appointed to President of the Eagle Television Sales division in 2008. Mr. MacCourtney was named President of the Katz Television Group in March 2012 where he focuses on strengthening broadcaster relationships and driving business development while overseeing the overall strategic sales direction for the company, which currently serves over 72% of the country, covering 188 of the 210 markets.

In addition to serving on the Board of TVB, Mr. MacCourtney is a Board Member of the International Radio & Television Society Foundation, the Broadcasters Foundation of America, the Emma Bowen Foundation and the Washington Media Scholars Foundation. 

Steve Lanzano, TVB President and CEO, added, “We look forward to benefitting from Leo’s further involvement in TVB through his service as Chairman for the next two years.  As a TVBBoard member and as a leading executive at the nation’s top TV rep company, he has been a strong advocate for the power of local broadcast TV’s premium, cross-platform local advertising opportunities. Importantly, Leo’s experience collaborating with both broadcast leaders and media agency executives will serve TVB well as we continue our work to advance local TV, while enhancing our members’ local revenue opportunities and advertiser relationships. I want to thank Perry Sook for his outstanding leadership and guidance over the last two years and we look forward to benefiting from his ongoing participation with TVB.”

Joe Brewer Promoted to President of Business Operations and Innovation for Katz Media Group

Will Drive Katz Programmatic, Data and Technology Initiatives

New York, NY – Katz Media Group, the nation’s leading media sales organization, announced today it has elevated veteran media executive Joe Brewer to President of Business Operations and Innovation of Katz Media Group, effective immediately. Brewer brings more than 30 years of media and technology experience to lead the company’s programmatic, data and technology initiatives.  He will continue to report to Mark Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Katz Media Group.

In his new position, Brewer will increase his focus on business operations across Katz Radio Group, Katz Television Group and Katz Digital with the goal of streamlining company processes and aligning all technology and innovation initiatives with company goals.  Brewer will also continue to provide oversight and guidance to Katz corporate groups including Finance, Human Resources and Real Estate to help move Katz’s continuously expanding business forward.

Brewer joined Katz in May 1996 as Vice President of Information Technology Services, and has since held leadership roles such as Vice President of Client Services and Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer.  During his tenure, he has expanded and enhanced Katz offerings, increased efficiencies and helped to develop additional revenue streams for the company.

Most recently serving as Chief Administrative Officer, Brewer worked to further develop the company’s technology assets across radio and television and advance its digital offerings, including bringing Katz to the forefront of the programmatic buying arena. Brewer has also led significant advancements in Katz’s data initiatives, which have dramatically reduced discrepancies and improved the buying process for agencies and advertisers.

Brewer serves on the Board of Directors for Audiology (www.Audiology.media), a company created to promote programmatic sales in the digital audio marketplace.

“Joe’s dedication to our internal business needs as well as expertise in driving our company vision to provide advanced technology, data and programmatic platforms makes Joe a truly indispensable leader,” said Mark Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Katz Media Group.  “Joe has a strong reputation for competitive and strategic planning in the technology realm, and I am confident his expertise will continue to be a great resource to Katz and our partners.” 

“The development and continued adoption of automation as well as the power of data is presenting a tremendous opportunity for Katz and for our broadcast and digital partners,” said Joe Brewer, President of Business Operations and Innovation.  “It is a very interesting and exciting time to be in the media industry and I am thrilled to be playing a part in that evolution.” 

About Katz Media Group:

Katz Media Group is the leading media sales organization that provides advertisers with the power of local impact on a national scale.  Katz seamlessly activates influential connections with over 200 million weekly consumers across the country through its two companies — Katz Radio Group and Katz Television Group — collectively representing more than 3,300 radio stations, 800 television stations and their digital platforms.  As a trusted sales partner, Katz is dedicated to using the latest technology, data and strategic insights to create custom campaigns that target advertisers’ needs and deliver results in every market across the country. Katz is based in New York City with a total of 14 regional offices nationwide.