Katz Exec Spiesman Joins Gray TV

Knows local broadcaster well as he comes on board as VP and director of national sales

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/12/2013 5:01:55 PM

Michael Spiesman has joined Gray Television as vice president and director of national sales. He comes from the rep firm Katz's Continental Television Sales outfit, where he was president. He spent nearly 30 years with Katz, which represents nearly all of the Gray stations on advertising matters.

"Michael Spiesman is truly one of the leaders of the television broadcast industry," said Hilton Howell, Gray CEO. "Gray Television is fortunate that Michael has chosen to bring his immense sales talents to work for the Gray stations. Because he has personally represented many of our stations since the early 1980s, he already feels like a big part of the Gray corporate family."

Spiesman joined Katz in 1982. In 1999, he was named president of its Continental business unit, a title he held until 2012.

"After leaving Katz, I was humbled to have been presented with many exciting opportunities at excellent organizations," said Spiesman. "Joining Gray Television, however, was an easy decision. I spent much of my life promoting the value of national sales to stations and the value of those market-leading stations of Gray to national advertisers. I am thrilled that Gray Television recognizes the potential of all revenue streams and we will prove that investment worthwhile."