IRTS Foundation Elects Leo MacCourtney Board Chair

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

MacCourtney is president of television advertising sales organization Katz Television Group. MacCourtney has served for more than 25 years as an active IRTS board member in various roles, including the finance committee, vice chairman, and now chairman.

“IRTS provides young people across the nation with meaningful ways to work and connect with high-level executives and companies in the media industry,” MacCourtney said. “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 is on the boards of the Emma Bowen Foundation, the Washington Media Scholars Foundation and is the treasurer of 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-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.