CBS News and Stations, Dentsu Media, Graham Media, UM Worldwide Receive Awards At TVB’s Executive Summit

Winners of the 2022 TVB Excellence Awards and TVB NEXT Awards were announced earlier today at TVB’s live Executive Summit, part of this year’s hybrid Forward Conference. Every year, TVB, the nonprofit trade association representing America’s local broadcast television industry, honors individuals and organizations who are shaping the future of local media.

“It is our pleasure to honor forward-thinking and dedicated leaders in our industry,” said Steve Lanzano, TVB president and CEO. “Thanks to their efforts and innovation, the industry has an exciting future with new opportunities across sectors.”

TVB Excellence Award for Media Agency of the Year

In 2022, brands and their media partners continued to navigate a period of change and disruption. Organizations were tasked with being adaptable, flexible, transparent and innovative. The recipient of this year’s Excellence Award for Media Agency of the year encompasses all that and was accepted by Jennifer Hungerbuhler, Dentsu Media US EVP, head of local video and audio investment.

TVB said: “Excellence describes Jennifer’s contributions to the industry. A 25+ year veteran of advertising and media, Jennifer has worked across categories including quick serve restaurants, fine & casual dining, travel and entertainment, retail, automotive, CPG, spirits/beer, pharma, gaming and tune-in. She currently oversees the investment strategy for local video and audio channels across all screens and devices for all Dentsu Media clients. Jennifer has been a champion for localism and advertising innovation, as well as an inspirational leader and media partner.”

TVB Excellence Award for Career Achievement

This year TVB selected Emily Barr, former president-CEO of Graham Media Group, with the Career Achievement Award.

TVB: “Emily led Graham Media Group as president-CEO for a decade. Previously, she was presiden-GM at ABC 7 in Chicago and spent time at WMAR in Baltimore. Emily has vocally advocated for the industry throughout her career and generously shared her expertise and thought leadership with the next generation of media leaders, including TVB’s NEXT Women program. She stands for integrity and progress, and has truly been an asset to our industry. Emily has been an outstanding member of TVB’s Board and a valued advisor and example for local broadcasters.”

TVB Next Awards

Since its inception in 2016, TVB’s NEXT Awards Program, with the support of WideOrbit, gives the next generation of media leaders access to today’s thought leaders, insights into industry innovation and a leg up on career advancement at the annual TVB Forward Conference.

2022 TVB NEXT Award honorees for media buying and selling were presented by Eric Mathewson, WideOrbit founder-CEO, to both Jennifer Christina, UM Worldwide partner, integrated investment, and Megan Quirk, CBS News and Stations account executive.

When asked about her views on the media buyer’s role when Impressions and automated TV are fully adopted, Christina said: “Buyers will have more flexibility with cross-platform buying and allocating impressions within individual markets to achieve optimal video mixes based on individual market viewership habits.”

“Viewers come to local TV news and websites when they need answers,” Quirk said when asked about the power of localism. “Local advertising has the ability to bring both national and local brands to consumers’ doorsteps, benefiting both the advertiser and the consumer.”

Other awards presented at TVB Forward include the Ad Council Catalyst Award, presented to Hearst Television by Lisa Sherman, Ad Council president-CEO.