News Over Wireless Gets News Name, CEO

Capitol Broadcasting’s News Over Wireless has got a new name and new chief executive.

As of today, the provider of mobile and smart TV technology to broadcasters and publishers will be known as StepLeader and it will be led by online advertising veteran Brian Handly with the title of CEO.

Sam Matheny, who led the company as general manager for the past seven years, will become VP of policy and innovation for Capitol Broadcasting, whose main line of business is running a short string of TV stations including flagship WRAL Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

In his new role, Matheny will continue to serve in a leadership and advisory role at StepLeader.

“I look forward to working together with Brian to create even more growth opportunities for StepLeader and our partners,” Matheny said. “I also look forward to serving as an evangelist for the company and the industry as a whole.”

Handly previously was GM of Microsoft’s Advertiser and Publisher Solutions division. Prior to his tenure at Microsoft, he was co-founder and CEO of Accipiter, which was acquired by aQuantive in December 2006, followed by the acquisition of aQuantive by Microsoft in 2007. 

Handly says he doesn’t see an immediate new directions for the company. However, he said, he said he hopes to better leverage the mobile advertising inventory that the company manages on behalf of its clients.

Adds Matheny: “When you look at the delta between the amount of time spent on mobile devices and the amount of money spent on mobile advertising, there is a great opportunity there.”

The new name is part of a larger rebranding initiative, which also includes a new logo and a new website: www.StepLeaderDigital.com.

In preparation for the rebranding, the company recently moved its headquarters to a new space in downtown Raleigh, N.C.

StepLeader is primarily a provider of apps for Apple and Android devices to broadcasters and newspaper publishers. In also offers software for mobile Web and smart TV.

Due mostly to Matheny efforts, StepLeader starts its new life with more than 300 broadcasting  and newspaper clients, including TV station groups Scripps, LIN Media, Meredith, Bonten Media, Meredith Corp., Fox, Morgan Murphy, CCA and News-Press & Gazette.