RBR-TVBR First: RBR-TVBR sources tell us that the radio rep company lost two executives in the past few days: CFO/COO Barry Fischer resigned/left on his own accord and RVP/Midwest and South Brian Thomas was let go. We had also heard RVP/West Coast Larry Muller was shown the door, but upon contacting McGavren Guild CEO Lisa Sirotka-Sonnenklar to get confirmation and to ask if the company is about to make a big announcement (like a merger with another company such as The Tacher Company, Katz Radio Group, Regional Reps or Local Focus) she had this to say:
“Quite to the contrary… we are in the process of streamlining our organization so that we can better serve our station clients and agencies. Muller is not gone. I am very optimistic about the future and look forward to great things.”
Fischer tells RBR-TVBR: “I have chosen to leave McGavren Guild Media to pursue new challenges. All opportunities are welcomed, and I look forward to applying the same energy and enthusiasm to them as I did to starting the new McGavren Guild Media four years ago and every day thereafter. I am very proud of the contributions that I made and am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped make it a formidable company – our investors, the exceptional employees, and our fantastic station partners. My departure is amicable and I wish all of them continued growth and success.”
McGavren Guild clients include Curtis Media, Entravision, Midwest T.V. Inc, Opus Broadcasting, Red Zebra Broadcasting, Shamrock Communications, Spanish Broadcasting System and WBEB.
RBR-TVBR observation: Katz is the king of radio representation, but MGG competitors such as Tacher, Local Focus and Regional Reps have also been scooping up clients over the past few years. We can definitely say it’s competitive out there in this business arena. So does Kay Olin, President/Local Focus Radio: “Successful companies are proactive in managing their business, especially in this ever-changing broadcast business. We wish all independent companies nothing but success as we all seek to keep our business strong and our clients well represented to their advertisers.”
