Ex-Katz Exec Spiesman Returns As Gray VP

As VP and director of national sales for Gray Television, his rep firm is Katz-owned Continental. Spiesman was a victim of Katz layoffs a year ago. "This is loaded with ironies," he says.

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.”

BRAND CONNECTIONS

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.


Comments (30)

Leave a Reply

Maureen ODaniel says:

March 11, 2013 at 9:50 am

Congratulations to Michael and kudos to Gray Television for making a great decision.
It seems that lately too many decisions are made in this industry that just leave us shaking our heads. This decision, on the other hand, leaves us smiling and thinking how great it is to have someone like Michael Spiesman back in the business.
I’m sure that among those smiling are a lot of people at CTS NY and around the country.
Again…..Congratulations to Michael and Gray.

Marla Friedmann says:

March 11, 2013 at 10:58 am

Congratulations to Michael. That irony quote is pure Michael. And boy is it true.

    Adam Broitman says:

    March 12, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Agree, John.

David Eisenbise says:

March 11, 2013 at 11:07 am

Heartfelt congrats Michael. A great leader now working with a great station group…all in balance. Continued successes to you my Friend!

Michael Blakely says:

March 11, 2013 at 1:06 pm

My goodness, how the world keeps getting smaller and smaller. Congratulations, Michael, and best wishes on your new adventure. A very good fit, to be sure. This should be fun for you, at many levels.

Sean Deneny says:

March 11, 2013 at 1:14 pm

Congratulations Michael! I’ve entered the data into my spread sheet and it turns out you will be very successful at your new venture! Good luck!

Michael Goodman says:

March 11, 2013 at 1:26 pm

And the Conti goes to ….. Michael Spiesman, Best New Client

Kathryn Yglecias says:

March 11, 2013 at 2:18 pm

This is wonderful news and a terrific move by Gray!

Brad Dann says:

March 11, 2013 at 2:25 pm

Awesome news! Congrats Michael!

August Sairanen says:

March 11, 2013 at 2:37 pm

Mazel tov, Michael!

David Oxenford and David O'Connor says:

March 11, 2013 at 2:38 pm

Congrats! A great match!

Eric Casella says:

March 11, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Congrats to the sparkling diamond in the rough!

Howard Barrett says:

March 11, 2013 at 3:12 pm

Congrats!!! Definitely something to sing about!

hoihoi cheung says:

March 11, 2013 at 3:23 pm

Congratulations to Gray Television, it is their Lucky Day! Best of Luck to Michael as well, you deserve all The Best! Do they know about the Air Horn?

tim rosenkranz says:

March 11, 2013 at 3:31 pm

FOG HORN BLOW!!!! So happy for you!

Jim Mahoney says:

March 11, 2013 at 3:49 pm

Congratulations, Michael!

seth effron says:

March 11, 2013 at 4:02 pm

Gray is alive with the sound of Spice-Man!

Katie Larson says:

March 11, 2013 at 4:21 pm

What a win-win. An excellent organization like Gray, attracts one of our finest, Michael Spiesman. Congratulations to both of you. Good things come to those who wait. A truly great partnership.

    Adam Broitman says:

    March 12, 2013 at 9:54 am

    Agree, Kevin…very happy for both parties.

Boots Walker says:

March 11, 2013 at 4:35 pm

Congratualtions Michael! A “win-win” for you and Gray!

stacie gahan says:

March 11, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Congrats Michael! I can hear the Fog Horn blowing! Gray TV made a great decision!

Sally Berger says:

March 11, 2013 at 5:04 pm

Good job boss! I gotta get back to my work station now.

Brian Burko says:

March 11, 2013 at 5:31 pm

I am so happy for you Michael!!! Show them how to do it!! Congrats….Gray is a great company!

Lisa Leff says:

March 11, 2013 at 11:17 pm

Great to hear Michael! Trust me it’s more fun being a client. Gray is very lucky.

Frances Longmire says:

March 11, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Michael Spiesman has always been a big fan of Bob Prather and Gray. I cannot count the number of times he has spoken so well of Bob…so no wonder. This is a great match. Michael will attack this new task with all the fervor he can muster. He was an untiring ambassador for KATZ (who preached the gospel according to Katz MORE than Michael?) and now his new ambassadorship role will be driving national sales for Gray. You have to speak the language to be an ambassador…guess he’s gonna have to work on a Southern drawl. “How’s your Mama-and-nem Michael?”

Eduardo Santacruz says:

March 12, 2013 at 2:34 am

Congratulations Michael, I know you will be a huge asset to Gray and bring them much success! Glad to see your return to the industry.

Adam Broitman says:

March 12, 2013 at 9:55 am

Congrats, Michael. So very happy for you and what a deserving role in broadcast television. You will be fabulous. Its great to have you back in the business!

Jonathan Lemire & Laurie Kellman says:

March 12, 2013 at 3:46 pm

Congratulations to Michael and Gray. They both made a good decision.

Bill Murphy says:

March 15, 2013 at 9:17 am

Congratulations Michael and congratulations Gray Television, Perfect fit!! Now go work your “magic”.

Susan Schiller says:

March 19, 2013 at 1:52 pm

Gray Television has scored a huge win by hiring Michael Spiesman. His knowledge of the national business along with his personality will pay huge dividends for Gray stations across the country. Congratulations Michael!