TVB, the not-for-profit trade association of America’s local broadcast television industry, announced today that the call for entries for the inaugural TVB NEXT Awards is now open. The new annual awards program honors the media industry’s next generation of leaders in advertising sales, buying, planning and operations (“ad ops”). WideOrbit, the leading provider of advertising management technology, is the TVB NEXT Awards program partner.

Fifty TVB NEXT Awards finalists will be selected by a committee of TVB and WideOrbit executives to attend Forward 17, TVB’s annual broadcast TV leadership conference on September 28, 2017 in NYC. At Forward 17 selected finalists will enjoy unique access to C-Suite TV executives and other leaders in media, advertising and technology.

WideOrbit Founder and CEO Eric R. Mathewson will present a TVB NEXT Award to the top nominee in each of the four categories and winners will be invited to participate in a Forward 17 thought leadership panel.

“It is vital to support and encourage the next generation of specialists in media sales, buying, planning and ad ops. Their energy, ideas and innovation will power the future of local broadcast TV,” said Steve Lanzano, President and CEO of TVB.

Lanzano continued, “Media executives and thought leaders from across the U.S. gather every year at TVB’s Forward Conferenceto discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of advertising and television content. In 2017, we look forward to recognizing tomorrow’s leaders and including them in the conversation.”

“Twenty years ago, today’s broadcasting industry leaders were young executives who were working hard to excel in their careers,” said Eric R. Mathewson. “WideOrbit conceived and sponsored the TVB NEXT Awards to ensure the industry’s next leaders are as exceptional as the generation that preceded them.”

The deadline for candidate responses is July 28, 2017. Guidelines and additional information may be found at https://www.tvb.org/TVBNextRecommendation.aspx.

About TVB (www.tvb.org)
TVB is the trade association of America’s local broadcast television industry.

About WideOrbit (wideorbit.com)
WideOrbit is the technology platform for media companies to connect audiences and ads, everywhere. We simplify transactions by creating value for both media buyers and sellers.