Ex-Katz Exec Spiesman Returns As Gray VP

Michael Spiesman is back, this time as vice president and director of national sales for Atlanta-based Gray Television. The announcement comes nearly a year to the day that Spiesman was cut loose from Katz Television in a round of cost-cutting layoffs that also included Katz Television President Jim Beloyianis.

Most of Gray’s stations are repped by Katz’s Continental unit, which Spiesman headed for 13 years.

“This is loaded with ironies,” said Spiesman. ” A year after I leave Katz, I walk back in as Continental’s largest client.”

Spiesman noted that some of Gray’s stations are repped by Katz’s Millennium unit and one by Cox’s HRP unit.

Spiesman said he was never tempted to quit Katz. But if he had been, it would have been for a group like Gray that he enjoyed working with and that “has always put people and its viewers first.”

In a prepared statement, Bob Prather, Gray president-COO, said: “Over the years, Gray developed an extensive relationship with Katz primarily through Michael … and in large part because of the results he achieved. As our new VP … Michael will bring our national sales efforts to a new and higher level.”

Spiesman began his career at Katz in 1982, becoming president of Continental in 1999.

Over the years, Spiesman has been active in industry organizations, including the NAB’s Small Market Exchange and TVB. He is also a member of the Broadcast Education Association.