CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Pappas Telecasting Companies, the largest privately held, commercial television broadcast group in the United States, today announced the appointment of Alan Weintraub to the position of Director of National Sales -- Chicago, effective immediately. In his new position, he is responsible for national sales in the Midwest region for Pappas' general market and Azteca America stations, sales of special event programming, new business development, and sales for all Pappas Web sites. Mr. Weintraub will report to Gerald Linehan, Senior Vice President, National Spot Sales of Pappas Telecasting Companies' Television Station Group.
In making the announcement, Mr. Linehan said, "Alan has a deep knowledge of the advertising industry, which I believe will serve our company well. His experience in several different media will give him a distinct advantage in directing our national sales efforts in the Midwest. We're very excited about Alan joining our team."
Mr. Weintraub commented, "This is an intriguing time for the television industry, as our business is undergoing huge shifts. Those companies that make the right moves stand to capitalize on the myriad opportunities for revenue growth that exist with new media. I'm looking forward to being part of an organization that doesn't fret about change, but rather embraces it."
Most recently, Mr. Weintraub served as an Account Manager and Franchise Specialist for National Cable Communications. Prior to that, he held sales management positions at Viacom-owned Spark Network Services, Clear Channel Communications, and ABC owned and operated WLS-TV in Chicago, where he was also a member of The Walt Disney Company's Synergy Committee. In 1980, he became Vice President/Executive Director of Operations, Advertising and Marketing for Illinois-based The Hair Performers, where he supervised all advertising, marketing and business development strategies for more than 300 locations.
Mr. Weintraub received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Advertising & Marketing from Columbia College in Chicago. Within the community, he is active with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is a former Midwest Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and is a recipient of the "Outstanding Young Man of America" award presented by the National Jaycees.
Company Profile
Pappas Telecasting Companies is the largest privately held, commercial television broadcast group in the United States in terms of U.S. Household coverage as defined by Nielsen Media Research. The company owns 25 market-leading Fox, WB, ABC, CBS, UPN and Azteca America affiliates, and operates three other stations pursuant to local marketing agreements, in all regions of the United States. Additionally, Pappas owns 15 on-air digital channels, operates three others under LMAs, and has an agreement to purchase one additional digital channel. The company holds construction permits to build 24 additional television stations, and has an option to purchase a construction permit for a full-power, five million watt station. Pappas also owns KVBE-FM "Vibe 107.5" in Fresno, is moving KTRB-AM 860 from Modesto to the San Francisco-San Jose radio market, and is constructing KPMP-AM 840 in Modesto. According to statistics from Nielsen, Pappas Telecasting television stations serve more than 15% of all U.S. television households. In addition, the company owns or operates television stations in markets reaching 34% of U.S. Hispanic households and nearly 37% of all U.S. Hispanic persons age 2+. In total, Pappas owns, operates, or is constructing stations in 25 Designated Market Areas.