NEW YORK — FOX Television Stations has formed a political unit within its ad sales division, a move it says is designed “specifically to address the growing needs of clients in this crucial space.”
Effective immediately, Ben Stecker and Walt Lopko will lead all the station group’s political advertising sales efforts, reporting directly to Patrick Paolini, Executive Vice President of FTS Ad Sales.
“In an ever-present political cycle, which is kicking into high gear with the 2024 Presidential Election, it is critical to assemble a talented team that best suits the future of the rapidly evolving advertising marketplace,” Paolini said. “I have no doubt that with Ben and Walt’s combined expertise and transformative vision, we will continue to reinvent and innovate the sales business.”
Stecker will hold the role of VP of Political, Issue, and Advocacy for FTS Ad Sales. He previously served as Political Sales Director for Strategus and before that served as an Account Executive and Political Specialist for Broadcast Media at Cox and TEGNA.
Stecker has also served as a Campaign Manager, Political Director, and Policy Director for various Senate, Congressional, and Gubernatorial Political Campaigns. He began his career as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. House and Senate while also serving in the Idaho Air National Guard.
Lopko will hold the title of VP of Political and Regional Sales Manager for FTS Ad Sales. He has been with FOX since 2003, first as Regional Manager of FOX Stations Sales (FSS), then as Vice President and Regional Sales Manager for FSS since 2012. Earlier in his career, Lopko was Director of Sales for CBS Radio/Infinity in Philadelphia and Sales Manager for Katz Media Group.
