One hundred years ago radio was born and we’re celebrating. Attendees joined the Media Association of Pittsburgh for an incredibly special “look” – radio style — in honor of KDKA Radio’s birthday, by gathering ‘round the modern-day crystal set (your electronic device) to hear four stars of Pittsburgh radio and their thoughts on the past, present and future of the very well done medium. Speakers included:
Larry Richert, your moderator representing on-air personality and sharing his perspective on the role of the person behind the microphone who captures the audience and drives ratings.
Larry currently hosts the KDKA Morning Show with Kevin Battle, weekdays 5AM-9AM. He’s been a shining star in Pittsburgh radio and television since he came to KDKA in November 1988. There was a ten-year period when he was a weather anchor for KDKA-TV. He joined the KDKA Radio Morning Show in 2001. His dedication to Pittsburgh makes him the perfect ambassador for our city; he was awarded the Vector’s Richard Caliguiri Award for these efforts. Born in Millvale and raised in McCandless Township, Larry traveled throughout the city to many towns, helping to shape his love of Pittsburgh. He is a graduate of North Allegheny High School and Clarion University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Communications. You also know his as the public address announcer at Heinz Field for all Steelers home games, and he’s a part of the Pitt football radio team for pre-game, sideline and post-game locker room shows. Since 1985 he has served as the voice of NFL Films/Steelers Highlights. He also co-wrote and co-produced a feature family film entitled “Amazing Racer” starring Lou Gossett Jr., Charles Durning, Eric Roberts, and many more well-known stars. He is a recipient of the MAP Outstanding Achievement in Media Award for Radio.
Gleyn Ward, KDKA’s success story from sales to management, encapsulates a 40+ year sales career bringing the station and clients together and forging meaningful relationships with sales results
Gleyn is a graduate of Point Park University and started his CBS radio career at KDKA in 1972. He found his niche in broadcast sales, serving at first as an account executive. During those seven years he was so successful he was quickly promoted to Local Sales Manager. Based on accomplishments as LSM he was promoted to General Sales Manager, where he oversaw a sales staff of 15 people locally and more than 80 people nationally. He brought in multi-million-dollar budgets and quickly became known as the “Money Man”. Gleyn retired from the station following 20 years as National Sales Manager. We call him the “Award Man”: CBS Presidents Award, MAP Outstanding Achievement in Media Award for Radio, Group W Winners Circle, Group W Interep. He’s been a member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and MAP!
Anita Miller, notably outstanding Pittsburgh media buyer and current president of the Media Association of Pittsburgh looking at buying radio through the years for clients
Anita is a graduate of Robert Morris University and spent the first part of her stellar career as an Account Manager/Media Planning and Buyer at several top local ad agencies in the Pittsburgh market. Her wealth of experience in numerous industry verticals makes her a sought-after professional in our industry. She enjoys applying strong research and analytic skills to her clients’ strategic needs. Prior to joining RJW in 2015, Anita spent 13 years at Education Management Corporation in a Director of Marketing role, where she managed the marketing activities at the for-profit school system seven states. Now serving a two-year term as MAP president, Anita has been a member of this organization for more than 30 years.
Ken Israel, superb radio sales leader sharing thoughts on the future of sales having witnessed the evolution from on air to digital
Ken has been in radio most of his adult life, starting as an on-air personality on small market stations. He moved into advertising sales while still in his 20’s. He’s been with KDKA Radio for 25 years serving clients with meaningful and well-executed advertising plans that bring results to the KDKA Radio/client relationship. A graduate of Peabody High and Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism, Ken is a MAP Outstanding Achievement in Media for Radio awardee. He is a repeat winner of Group W’s Circle of Excellence; from the Interactive Advertising Bureau holds a Digital Media Certification; from the Radio Advertising Bureau he is a Certified Digital Marketing Consultant as well as a Certified Radio Marketing Consultant.