In light of the unprecedented impact the COVID-19 situation is having on business, WideOrbit hosted a virtual panel discussion about the challenges currently affecting the media industry. We facilitated a conversation between senior executives representing radio, broadcast and cable TV, to discover what we can learn from each other, and how their organizations are finding solutions to address challenges such as:
· Adapting to what is becoming an increasingly remote workforce
· Adjusting to, or finding alternatives to, technology that doesn’t support remote work
· Finding creative ways to sell spots as traditionally reliable advertisers scale back or, in some cases, go dark
· Managing collections and payables while everyone works to safeguard cash flow
The session consists of 30 minutes of live, moderated discussion, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
Moderated by Eric Mathewson, WideOrbit Founder & CEO.
SPEAKERS
Jenny Nelson
SVP of Advertising & Marketing
Jenny Nelson is Senior Vice President of Ad Sales Marketing at Entercom, a leading media and entertainment company engaging over 170 million consumers each month through its iconic broadcast brands, expansive digital platform, premium podcast network and live events and experiences. With presence in every major U.S. market, and accessible on every device, Entercom delivers the industry’s most compelling live and on-demand content and experiences from voices and influencers its communities trust and love.
In her role, Nelson manages sales enablement supporting local and national sales with resources and tools to accelerate the sales process. Additionally, she manages the marketing solutions team that works with sales to develop custom programs and sales opportunities for local, multi-market and national sales.
Prior to joining Entercom, Nelson worked at BBDO, a worldwide advertising agency network, and managed her own agency, Nelson Marketing Solutions.
Nelson earned a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a Master of Business Administration from San Francisco State University.
Steven Farber
SVP, Operations
Steve Farber oversees broadcast operations for Weigel Broadcasting’s local
television stations and national networks. Farber heads company efforts for
Chicago flagship WCIU-TV (CW26) as well as a diverse station group of CBS, ABC,
CW, Telemundo, MyNet and independent affiliates in 10 markets ranging from Los
Angeles to Rockford. Weigel’s networks include the leading classic television network MeTV, along with Heroes & Icons, Start TV, Movies! and Decades.
Farber came to Weigel in 2015 after 20 years in a variety of news and operations roles for Tribune Broadcasting, including lead general management positions at WGN-TV and cable channel CLTV, and national programming and distribution responsibilities as SVP/Operations.
Farber is a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Broadcasters Association. He is a native of Chicago’s northern suburbs and is a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Mike Meccay
SVP, Ad Sales, Revenue
Management/Finance
Michael Meccay was named Senior Vice President, Revenue Management/Ad Sales Finance & Strategy, in July 2017. He reports to Michael Peretz, Executive Vice President, Ad Sales Revenue Management & Ops, A+E Networks.
In this position, Mr. Meccay currently manages all revenue management for the A+E Networks portfolio of ten networks along with their digital and VOD properties along with playing a key role in National Ad Sales strategic planning. Prior to assuming leadership of the department, he was responsible for revenue management for A&E, History, Crime & Investigation, Military History, History en Espagnol and their suite of Digital properties and VOD offerings.
Mr. Meccay was promoted to Vice President of Ad Sales Planning & Strategy for Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women in October of 2002 from Director, Lifetime Movie Network & Integrated Sales, where his responsibilities included long-term strategic growth for Lifetime Movie Network ad sales along with developing new multi-platform sponsorship opportunities. He held this position since November 2001. He joined Lifetime Entertainment Services as an Account Executive in August 1996.
Before that he served in a variety of positions, including National Broadcast Supervisor, at TN Media (currently Initiative Media) from June 1992 until August 1996.
A native of Tonawanda, New York, Mr. Meccay lives in Weston, Connecticut with his wife and two sons. He was graduated from SUNY at Geneseo with a B.A. in Economics in 1989.