Leo MacCourtney, the longtime television industry leader who served as President of Katz Media Group’s Katz Television from 2012 through his retirement on June 30, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the 2024 RBR+TVBR Lifetime Leadership Award.
As the President of Katz Media Group’s Katz Television arm for 12 years, MacCourtney played a key role in guiding the broadcast television industry through a period of transition, innovation, inspiration and imagination. MacCourtney’s career in media advertising began in radio, at when he joined WERE-AM 1300 (today WJMO) in Cleveland. In 1981, he left radio to join Blair Television as an account executive. launching a heralded career in broadcast television sales.
With contributions to the industry that have proven to be immeasurable, the Radio + Television Business Report is proud to be bestowing this first-ever Lifetime Leadership Award on MacCourtney at the Forecast 2025 conference luncheon. “Over the years, Leo has demonstrated tremendous leadership and an unwavering commitment to the industry in a remarkable career that has spanned five decades. It seems only fitting that we honor him with this first broadcast television award,” said Deborah Parenti, President and Publisher of Radio + Television Business Report.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13 at the Harvard Club in the City of New York.
MacCourtney is also the Chairman ex-officio of the International Radio & Television Society Foundation and Television Advertising Bureau (TVB), where he has served as a longtime board member. Furthermore, MacCourtney is Vice Chairman/Treasurer for the Broadcasters Foundation of America and Board Member for the Library of American Broadcasters Foundation.
