PALM BEACH, FLA. — There’s a new Chairman of the Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) as well as a fresh Chairman-Elect, an additional Executive Committee member, and new names on the FAB Board of Directors.
The appointments come following last week’s annual conference and Hall of Fame ceremony, at which Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley and TEGNA of Jacksonville news anchor Jeannie Blaylock were each inducted into the FAB Hall of Fame.
“As part of FAB’s regular leadership rotation,” the new Chairman is Hearst Television local media leader John Soapes.
“I’m honored to serve as Chairman and to build on the tremendous work of Lara Kunkler, the Executive Committee, the FAB team, and this board,” said Soapes, who serves as President/General Manager of Hearst Television’s WESH-2 and WKCF-18 in the Orlando DMA and for WMOR-32 in Tampa-St. Petersburg. “Florida is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic states in the nation, and local broadcasters play an essential role in helping residents navigate that growth as trusted voices, first informers, and community partners. FAB helps ensure our stations can continue serving Floridians with reliable local news, critical information during emergencies, and programming that reflects the communities we call home.”
Taking the role of Chairman-Elect is Jason Meder, VP/Market Manager for Cox Media Group in Tampa-St. Petersburg.
Commenting on both Soapes and Meder, FAB EVP/COO Heather Lomagistro and President/CEO Pat Roberts offered a shared prepared statement. “John is an accomplished broadcaster and visionary who will certainly bring a wealth of experience, leadership and a unique perspective to our Association. He truly believes in what we do, and we are honored to have him as Chairman. We are equally pleased to welcome Jason as Chairman-Elect and look forward to his leadership in the years ahead,” they said.
Joining the FAB Executive Committee is Salem Media VP/Regional General Manager Carolyn Cassidy, an industry veteran who oversees the company’s operations in Columbus, Ohio; and the Florida markets of Tampa, Orlando, and Miami.
New members to FAB’s Board of Directors are Cox Media Group/Orlando Television GM and corporate Sr. VP/Chief Sales Officer Darren Moore and CMG Orlando Radio VP/Market Manager JC Campese; and MARC Media Group founder/owner Roger Holler.
Ralph Renzi, Chief Executive Officer of Boca Raton-headquartered Newsmax Radio & Audio, was welcomed as an associate member of the Board.
The FAB also recognized Actualidad Media Group President Adib Eden, one of its longest-serving board members, who is concluding his tenure on the Executive Committee.
Kunkler, who led the association through a transformative period in its history, transitions to the role of Immediate Past Chair and will continue serving on the Executive Committee.
— With reporting by Adam R Jacobson
