Citadel’s new ABC affiliate in Rhode Island joins three others in being repped by the Katz division.
DMA 53
Continental To Rep WLNE Providence
Continental Television Sales, a division of the Katz Television Group, today announced that it will represent WLNE in Providence, R.I. (DMA 53). WLNE is an ABC affiliate and was recently acquired by Citadel Communications.
In addition to WLNE, Continental also represents Citadel stations in Des Moines, Sioux City and the Quad Cities of Davenport, Iowa; Bettendorf, Iowa; Rock Island, Ill.; and Moline, Ill. Continental will begin representing WLNE immediately.
“We are excited to represent a station in one of the largest markets in the nation’s smallest state,” said Michael Spiesman, president, Continental Television Sales. “With Citadel’s support, WLNE has the necessary resources it needs for growth in this competitive market. We look forward to offering our full range of capabilities to the station and to working with their new leadership to bring much success to WLNE.”
“I am pleased to once again have the opportunity to work with Continental,” said Ray Cole, president-COO, Citadel Communications. “Together, we’ve had a long and successful history, and I believe they will play a critical role in our plan to bring revenue growth and overall success to WLNE.”
Comments (5)
MARTY O'CONLON says:
May 9, 2011 at 3:33 pm
What’s worse? That the company president actually said this? — “We are excited to represent a station in one of the largest markets in the nation’s smallest state,” said Michael Spiesman, president, Continental Television Sales. — Or that his PR people and the Citadel people actually let it go to print? ONE of the largest markets in the smallest state? Really? What other large markets are there in Rhode Island, Michael?
Kathryn Miller says:
May 9, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Somebody obviously needs a hug. Providence is a large market, and Rhode Island is a small state, smaller than the county I live in. So, aren’t you merely trying to take a minor wording issue into the stratosphere?
Shenee Howard says:
May 9, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Demonstrates the stupidity of PR spinners. I guess since WLNE is in Providence, WPRI in East Providence and WJAR in Cranston, his statement made sense to some ignorant sole,
Roger Lyons says:
May 9, 2011 at 8:10 pm
I take it that TeleRep, which is considered by many to be the gold standard in national spot representation, didn’t want to continue doing business with the station.
Hope Yen and Charles Babington says:
May 10, 2011 at 8:49 am
Having one rep handle your entire group of stations generally is a good thing IF you can get it. Loyalties go both ways, to groups and to individual stations. In this case I think Phil’s decision makes good sense. TeleRep no doubt has the reputation, but Katz Continental is right up there as well, speaking from many years of being well served by Mr. Spiesman & Company!