Falling National Spot Puts The Hurt On Katz
Double-digit declines in national spot since 2007, coupled with station consolidation, are the new reality for independent rep firms. Clear Channel-owned Katz Television Group recently whacked two top execs, Jim Beloyianis and Michael Spiesman; laid off about 10 other employees and closed offices in Tampa, Miami, St. Louis, Denver and Seattle. Those are cost-saving actions that Co-President Leo MacCourtney says will have a big impact as it moves to find new spot advertisers and get more orders from existing ones. It would be encouraging to know that the reps are working shoulder-to-shoulder with TVB in convincing advertisers and their agencies that spot is their best and most efficient buy.
The rep firm announced new executive positions today. Dave Bisceglia will be EVP of Eagle Television Sales. Chris Jordon will be EVP of Continental Television Sales. Artie Altman will be EVP of Millennium Sales and Marketing.
