Author: Beth Bobbitt

Ben Downs

Written by Beth Bobbitt on . Posted in Broadcaster of the Year, Previous Winners.

2010 Broadcaster of the Year

(Published August 2010)

TAB’s Broadcaster of the Year believes in locally-oriented, community-focused broadcasting done right.

For Ben Downs, that’s not lip service. He lives those principles every day and expects the same from all his employees.

Ben Downs

Born on a farm just outside Hope, Arkansas, Downs would pretend to deliver the play-by-play into a Coke cup during high school basketball games.

He would begin his radio career by passing the FCC license test on his 14th birthday. Since then, he has always worked in buildings with studios and microphones.

He started in broadcasting in 1968 as a weekend announcer at KXAR Hope. His experience included sharing a mic with future Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. They were also classmates at Hope High School.

While attending Texas A&M University Downs was employed by WTAW and organized his first charity event. The Bryan-College Station Citywide Tennis Tournament presented a check to the local Boys and Girls Club.

He was offered a full-time job the next month and has tried to produce as many of those presentation checks for area charities as possible. After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1976, his broadcasting career included operating two statewide groups of broadcast stations in Texas. Sonance Broadcasting owned stations in Lubbock, Midland, Killeen and Waco. He also managed stations in Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Tyler.

Currently he is the operating partner for five stations in Bryan-College Station: WTAW, KNDE, KZNE, KAGC and KWBC.

Downs, along with partner William Hicks, are the only local residents to own a media outlet in Bryan-College Station. Their commitment to the community is evidenced by providing news, sports and live announcers.

Though he has been with the same station group for 21 years, he is not complacent. His stations became one of the earliest adopters of wireless streaming for radio content in 1995 and he always was a proponent of High Definition FM radio.

Downs says one of the biggest challenges facing broadcasters is how to handle the changing world of technology: “We have to keep trying new things to see what works. Most won’t, some will for awhile, but radio as an industry is pretty quick on its feet when it wants to be. It’ll never be the way it was, but you have to innovate if you want to be around and see the way it’s going to be.”

Like many resident operators, Downs is active in local boards and works for several local charities.

He is an active member of the A&M United Methodist Church and serves on the boards of the Better Business Bureau and the BCS Chamber of Commerce.

He also is the driving force behind the annual BCS Christmas Parade – playing Santa every year!

Under his leadership, Bryan Broadcasting has received TAB’s prestigious Bonner McLane Public Service Awards in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

“While Ben is a great broadcaster, it is his belief in community and commitment to others that demonstrates his true integrity and character,” said Congressman Chet Edwards.

“The impact of his leadership at Bryan Broadcasting and the professionalism of his staff is seen throughout our community on a daily basis. Ben truly makes a positive difference in the lives of others every day, and I consider myself privileged to know and work with him.”

His industry peers first elected Downs to the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors in 1999. He was elected to the TAB Executive Committee and served broadcasters as TAB Chairman in 2003. He was re-elected to the TAB Board in 2007 and in 2010. During this time, he has been a key player in every major TAB initiative – planning conventions, plotting state and federal legislative policy and seeking improvements in the Emergency Alert System.

In 2008, Texas broadcasters elected Downs to represent them on the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors.

He feels it is important for leaders in broadcasting to include as many people in their message as possible and he is never shy about speaking out for them.

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Jason Hightower *

Written by Beth Bobbitt on . Posted in Broadcaster of the Year, Previous Winners.

2009 Broadcaster of the Year

(Published August 2009)

The legacy of TAB’s 2009 Broadcaster of the Year is an inspiration to others in the broadcast industry.

Jason Hightower was owner and operator of KMOO-FM Mineola. He passed away in March 2009 after battling brain cancer.

He was 37 years old.

Jason Hightower

Jason’s commitment to locally-focused, community broadcasting lives on through his wife and three children, as well as the outstanding staff at KMOO.

A Love for Radio

Jason was born on March 30, 1971 in Huntsville. His mom said he always wanted to work in radio. He graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1989 and at the time had a part time airshift at KWNS-FM. However, Jason always said he had no real plans to make it a career. John Gore, his first general manager, told him radio would stay in his blood, and he was right.

After graduation, Jason headed to Texas A&M University with dreams of becoming a lobbyist. A&M fit his personality – a school out in the country built around tradition.

While in school, he started working full-time at KAGG Bryan-College Station. In 1991, he moved across town to host the morning show at KTSR. After a year at KTSR, Jason took over the morning show/program director duties at KORA Bryan-College Station. Jason would spend the next six years at KORA doing everything from on-air to management, sales to promotions and marketing. “Jason and Roy in the Mornings” was consistently rated the number one morning show in the market.

Jason graduated from A&M in 1993 with a degree in Agriculture Development.

K-MOOOOOOOO

Jason and his wife Ingrid purchased KMOO Mineola in August 1998, at the prompting of Jason’s parents. The station provided an opportunity for them to “come home,” something both of them wanted. At only 27 years of age, Jason was one of the youngest radio owner-operators in Texas. But his vision was clear.

He and Ingrid were committed to providing a real “full service” station to the people of East Texas – broadcasting country music, news, sports and community information 24 hours a day.

At any given time, the station has more than 25,000 area listeners, with hundreds more listening on www.kmoo.com.

The Hightowers purchased KNET-AM/KYYK-FM Palestine in April 2003. Jason wanted to expand his broadcasting business and the station’s proximity to Mineola provided the perfect opportunity.

Soon after, Ingrid discovered she had breast cancer. After five years of prayers and treatment, she beat the cancer and the Hightowers were looking forward to a long future with their new family.

In April 2004 at the age of 33, Jason was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The Hightowers decided to sell the Palestine stations in order to lessen the burden on Ingrid. Surgery was successful and Jason quickly recovered – he was back at the station 10 days later.

He continued chemotherapy successfully until the tumors returned in October 2008.

As Jason battled the recurrence of cancer, the community rallied to help the young family deal with the burgeoning medical expenses.

An auction yielded an extraordinary outpouring of support, prompting former TAB Chairman Jerry Bobo, who was there, to say “it was a great example of what a Broadcaster means to his community.”

Giving Back to the Industry

Jason joined TAB in 1998 – right after he purchased KMOO. He was elected to the TAB Board of Directors in 1999 and served six consecutive years representing small market radio stations.

From planning the Annual Convention to traveling to Washington, DC or Austin to lobby on industry concerns, Jason was ready for more.

Jason’s fellow broadcasters elected him to TAB’s Executive Committee in 2005. He took over as TAB’s Chairman at the Annual Business Meeting on Aug. 7, 2008 – the 10th anniversary of his purchase of KMOO.

As one of TAB’s key leaders, Jason finally got to live his childhood dream of becoming a lobbyist. He found inspiration in the granite and marble corridors of the state and national capitols, advancing the causes of Texas broadcasting – Radio and TV alike.

TAB’s grassroots approach to lobbying suited him well as he embraced the notion that lawmakers respond best to the stations that report on them and reach their constituents.

“One of the last conversations we had was about our efforts to pass the Free Flow of Information Act,” said TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez.

“He was lamenting his slow recovery and was champing at the bit to get to Austin. ‘We gotta do it, Oscar – I know we can and I want to be there to help.’”

While he didn’t live to see passage of this landmark law, Jason’s determination helped inspire the legion of TAB advocates to see it through to ultimate success.

Friends and colleagues will never forget Jason’s energy, personality and commitment to his local community.

The Texas broadcast industry – and indeed, the world – is a better place thanks to his time on this earth, brief as it was.

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Caroline Devine

Written by Beth Bobbitt on . Posted in Broadcaster of the Year, Previous Winners.

2008 Broadcaster of the Year

(Published August 2008)

TAB’s 2008 Broadcaster of the Year is an inspiration to others in the industry.

Caroline Devine retired as regional vice president and market manager of Cox Radio in Houston in 2007.

Devine was born in Liberty, Texas. Her parents owned a grocery store, and it was the hub of the town’s activity.

Caroline Devine

She loved riding horses and eventually got into painting and playing the piano. Devine and her two brothers, Dan and Mike, attended high school in the small town of Hull, Texas.

The school, Hull-Daisetta, was rich with oil taxes and able to attract excellent teachers with its high salaries.

Her parents insisted on high achievement in all subjects for their children. Devine graduated as valedictorian, earned several scholarships and headed off to Sam Houston State University.

At the time, radio was only a source of entertainment for Devine – she never imagined it as a career!

Devine met her husband William while she was still in high school. He was a college boy, but it was love at first sight when Devine saw him dance.

They married and started a family while she was still in college. Devine transferred to Lamar University, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science.

William moved around Texas, working in retail. Devine worked as an elementary school teacher all over Texas, following William from Beaumont to Temple to Harlingen and McAllen and finally back to Beaumont.

After 10 years of teaching it was time for a change…

She took a job with the Burroughs Corporation selling business forms and machines to financial institutions.

It was her chance to work for a Fortune 500 Company. Good friend Ken Smith was the sales manager for KYKR-FM in Beaumont and William’s western wear store was the station’s best client.

They enjoyed going to KYKR’s client parties and various events. So while she was happy with her job, Devine became more and more intrigued with radio.

Ken hired her as a sales rep and it was love at first bite. The radio business satisfied her search for creativity combined with solid business fundamentals.

Devine worked for KYKR for two years before taking a sales position in Austin at KEYI-FM and KNOW-AM. She was quickly promoted to General Sales Manager and stayed with the station for six years.

Devine enjoyed selling, but truly loved the opportunities for mentorship that came with the GSM position.

In 1988, Jay Jones, then owner of the Rusk Corporation, took a chance and hired Devine for her first General Manager position over at KSMG-FM San Antonio.

In San Antonio, Devine’s team brought KISS-FM back to life, first as an LMA and then as a purchase. It was an immediate success, and is a ratings and revenue leader to this day. Devine barely knew one rock song or group, but Virgil Thompson and Janis Maxymof taught her everything she needed to know.

Devine always said keeping the talented hosts of the “edgy” KISS morning show on safe and entertaining ground was a fun challenge.

But it wasn’t all work…

Station clients could earn VIP trips to exotic destinations and for 18 years she helped to host the travelers in France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Thailand and other exotic destinations.

Who thought a small town teacher from Southeast Texas would wind up travelling the world!

Cox Radio purchased the stations from Rusk in 1998 and they made the smart decision to keep Devine on board.

She got her Regional Vice President stripes in 2003, with the added assignment of Cox’s six stations in Honolulu. Everyone was rightfully envious of this assignment, but she says it was truly an enlightening and rewarding experience.

Marc Morgan and Bob Neil moved Devine from San Antonio to Houston to take over the VP/Market Manager duties for their four station cluster.

At Cox, Devine was involved in creating the company’s groundbreaking mentor program. Station personnel are partnered with higher level Cox executives to learn the ins and outs of the radio business.

“Radio Ink Magazine” has listed her several times on their prestigious “Most Influential Women in Radio” list.

The “Mentoring and Inspiring Women” group grew out of the list and she is proud to continue her participation as a mentor. In 2005, Devine was inducted in to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

After nearly 30 successful years in the radio biz, Devine retired in December of last year. She and William have been enjoying retirement together ever since.

Devine’s positive outlook combined with her solid work ethic has been an inspiration for many years.

Throughout her life, Devine has tried to instill in her family, former employees and herself one simple lesson: life is short, life is a journey and in the end you have to believe you can dance.

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Meredith Beal

Written by Beth Bobbitt on . Posted in Broadcaster of the Year, Previous Winners.

2007 Broadcaster of the Year

(Published August 2007)

TAB’s 2007 Broadcaster of the Year is an advocate for localism and believes that radio stations can and should be forces for good in the communities they serve.

Meredith Beal

Meredith Beal is the president and CEO of Lasting Value Broadcasting Group.

He purchased KCLW-AM Hamilton, KTXJ (now KCOX) Jasper and KWYX (now KTXJ-FM) Jasper in 2000 and has since increased local programming, added local news and created new public affairs programs.

Beal grew up in Los Angeles but his father is a native of Marshall – so Beal spent a good amount of time in the Lone Star State.

He attended college at the University of Houston, majored in journalism and eventually moved to California for a job as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times.

Later he was editor of the Rhythm and Blues Report and other publications.

When Motown Records founder Barry Gordy sold the company in the late ‘80s, Beal consulted on the transition.

He eventually joined the company as Director of Marketing – developing budgets, marketing campaigns and working with artists.

Beal also purchased 40 computers for the company (which happened to be 40 more than Motown had before!)

A longtime musician, Beal has played on and produced numerous records – everything from Gambian music to a children’s album about a character called Thursty the Elephant.

Beal eventually made his way to back to Central Texas, where he worked as global Webmaster for Dell Computer until 2001.

His website received Dell’s Intranet Award for Excellence, for Best of Class Design and Usability and his team was known for pioneering in personalization and self-service web applications.

As a Buddhist, Beal strives to be optimistic and calm, despite the fact that he usually has 68 irons in the fire.

On a daily basis, he is likely to be attending a TAB Board Meeting in Austin, producing a CD of harmonica instrumentals, teaching a Web development class at Huston-Tillotson University and heading to Hamilton to meet with community leaders.

Beal says his goals have always been to build businesses and serve the community. He saw a need for more service, less sensation, and more localization in news. So, in 1999 he sold some Dell stock and formed Lasting Value Broadcasting.

Hamilton’s only local radio station was at risk of being lost when Lasting Value purchased it in 2000.

Key community leaders knew that if KCLW shut down, it would be a devastating blow to the area’s economic growth, as well as a loss of their most vital communication link.

They worried new owners would change the station’s format and eliminate local involvement.

Beal made a point to meet with the community, attend local meetings, events and service groups to show he truly wanted the station to remain an integral part of the area.

He engaged the school system and worked with the superintendent to create a flow of information about what’s going on in the schools.

Beal also has offered the station as an educational tool to give students exposure to the media.

In appreciation, the Hamilton Independent School District passed resolutions placing the name Meredith Beal on the statewide Media Honor Roll in 2005 and 2006 for exemplary reporting on the community’s public schools.

In 2006, the station held “KCLW Fire Fest” and raised more than $30,000 for area fire departments that were drained by winter wildfires.

The station’s new public affairs program – “What Do You Think” – is one of the most popular and features in-depth interviews with candidates for local and statewide political office. “Shout Out From Iraq” is a weekly program featuring call-ins from soldiers deployed in Iraq.

The station’s annual open house allows listeners, advertisers and the business community to gather at “their station.”

Beal joined the TAB Board of Directors in 2006 and has been active in lobbying efforts.

He truly believes in giving a voice to local citizens, allowing them to use the airwaves to talk about issues pertinent to the community.

Beal continues to travel the world, spreading his message of global citizenship and dialog as the best means to create a peaceful society.

As a broadcaster, he advocates localism and community focus while maintaining a global perspective.

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Perry Sook

Written by Beth Bobbitt on . Posted in Broadcaster of the Year, Previous Winners.

2006 Broadcaster of the Year

(Published August 2006)

The Texas Association of Broadcasters’ 2006 Broadcaster of the Year has been an industry innovator since he began his career more than 25 years ago.

Perry A. Sook, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar Broadcasting Group, has worked in all facets of the business – from radio sales and on-air talent to television news, sales, management and ownership.

During the past year, Sook broke new ground for the television industry after winning a protracted standoff with cable operators to secure meaningful monetary compensation for Nexstar stations’ local broadcast programming.

At the beginning of 2005, Nexstar stations in Abilene, San Angelo, Texarkana and Joplin, Missouri faced retransmission consent negotiations with cable operators.

The stations asked that they be monetarily compensated on a per-subscriber basis for the carriage of their signals, just as they are by other distribution systems such as direct broadcast satellite. The cable systems refused and on January 1, 2005, the stations were removed from cable systems in those markets.

For most of 2005, this was a high-profile fight as Sook and his stations stood up for all over-the-air broadcasters who drive the vast majority of viewers to cable television but receive no compensation – not even that of the lowest rated cable network.

During that time, the cable companies realized they were losing subscribers to DBS at an unprecedented rate. Across all of these markets, the cable companies lost up to one-third of their subscribers. Finally, faced with more station agreements expiring and the prospect of losing more stations and subscribers, cable companies agreed to an economic solution based on a per-subscriber metric.

Through intense negotiations and a willingness to incur short-term pain for long-term gain, Nexstar reached multi-year retransmission consent agreements with approximately 150 content distributors in the 27 markets in which the company broadcasts. Nexstar now has national agreements with direct broadcast satellite providers, cable companies, secondary cable providers and wireless cable providers in its markets. This was achieved when many in the industry doubted the prospects for success.

Sook’s dogged determination in this battle and ultimate success is now compelling other broadcasters to follow this path. Besides the landmark cable battle, Sook has developed the model for operating multiple television stations in medium and small markets.

Working with partner company Mission Broadcasting, his stations have been able to provide more local news, weather and local sports than any preceding owner or group.

Across all markets, especially in Texas, this commitment is seen from high school football in Abilene, local agriculture shows in Wichita Falls, stat-up news operations at KSAN-TV San Angelo, high school graduations in Midland-Odessa, Texas Tech football specials in Lubbock and KTAL-TV Texarkana providing Beaumont news coverage when Hurricane Rita knocked KBTV-TV off the air.

Sook’s dedication to the industry and public service is evident in his company’s sponsorship of TAB legislative events and his encouragement of local station executives’ active participation in TAB lobbying initiatives and leadership efforts.

Nexstar was formed in 1996 for the purpose of acquiring and operating network affiliated television stations in medium-sized markets. The company now owns or operates 47 network affiliated television stations in 27 markets and 11 states.

Prior to founding Nexstar, Sook was one of the principals of Superior Communication Group, Inc., which owned television stations in Oklahoma and Kentucky. The company was sold in 1995 to Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Before Superior, Sook was President/CEO of Seaway Communication., owner of stations in Maine and Wisconsin. Prior to that, he worked at KXTX-TV and KTVT-TV in Dallas, with Cox Broadcasting in Pittsburgh, and with Telerep as a national account executive.

Early in his career, Sook worked at stations in West Virginia, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Sook did his undergraduate work at Ohio University and was an adjunct professor at Edinboro State University of Pennsylvania. He is a recipient of the NAB/BEA Harold E. Follow Memorial Scholarship.

Sook is a member of the Board of Directors of Penton Media, Inc., the Television Bureau of Advertising, and is a Board member and trustee of the Ohio University Foundation. He and his wife Sandra have three children; Laura, Victoria and Perry, Jr. The family resides in Southlake, Texas.

Perry Sook

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