He’s been the head of the television advertising advocacy group known colloquially as TVB since January 2010, and has been a key advocate of linear television across the last 15 years in an era where digital advertising growth continues to accelerate.
At the end of 2025, Steve Lanzano will officially retire as President/CEO of the Television Bureau of Advertising.
“Steve has been an invaluable advocate for local broadcast television and advancing its role in the ever-evolving media landscape,” said Antonio Roman, chair of TVB’s Board of Directors and EVP of Local Media Sales at TelevisaUnivision, “Throughout his tenure at TVB, he has championed the importance and effectiveness of local broadcast TV and has helped implement key industry initiatives focused on critical technology advancements and measurement improvements to support business development. His unwavering commitment has helped shape the future of the industry, ensuring that local broadcast remains a vital and effective medium well into the future.”
Under Lanzano’s leadership, the TVB expanded its membership to more than 800 local TV stations. His initiatives include the creation of national and local business development teams, expanded research offerings, and enhanced advocacy efforts.
Lanzano’s contributions fueled the growth of TVB’s annual Forward Conference, which grew following the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to an online venue that now accompanies a small in-person gathering in New York each fall.
He’s also been a staunch advocate for public safety, and has been instrumental in TVB’s long-standing partnership with the Ad Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on “Project Roadblock: Local TV Puts the Brakes on Buzzed Driving.” The campaign has grown to involve 210 DMAs and almost 1,000 local stations.
Reflecting on his upcoming retirement, Lanzano shared, “It has been an incredible honor to lead TVB and work alongside so many talented individuals who share my passion for the local broadcast television industry. I am deeply proud of the work we’ve done in proving the power of local and championing the positive impact local TV has on communities across the country. I look forward to seeing the continued success of TVB and our industry as a whole.”
Before joining TVB, Lanzano held the Chief Executive Officer role at MEC (now Wavemaker) North America. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer of Havas Media.
TVB EVP of Local and National Business Development Brad Seitter commented, “Steve is an icon in the industry and has been a transformational leader. TVB, and the broadcast industry, has grown and advanced due to his strategic vision and his dedication to advancing the value of local TV. He has set a high standard for all of us. We will miss his leadership, and we are grateful to continue his incredible work.”
The TVB Executive Board is working with an executive search firm on a nationwide search for Lanzano’s successor.
