From the Chairman

Rise and Shine

Despite our troubles over the last two years, perseverance and dynamic leadership provide reasons for optimism.

Ihear myself repeating this comment every time the calendar turns over: “How did last year pass so quickly?” We’re now looking back at nearly two years of unpredictability, brought on primarily by the pandemic and other factors as well. Yet the media industry continues to soldier on. And there is much to feel optimistic about, which we learn from experts who have shared their research, knowledge and advice on how to navigate the coming 12 months during industry events, and in this magazine.

I’m thrilled TFM was granted an interview with Allen Media Group CEO Byron Allen, who at the time of this writing was awaiting a decision from the broadcast

behemoth TEGNA on his company’s offer to purchase its assets for $10 billion.

In this fascinating cover story, TFM editor Janet Stilson and contributor Krista Van Lewen asked Allen to address his transition from stand-up comedian to the owner of a growing collection of media properties. He shared his passion for ensuring Black America is represented both in front of the camera and through media ownership. Allen doesn’t shy from any question put to him, and you’ll get a clear sense of what drives him when you read this piece.

I’m equally pleased to highlight our “People to Watch in 2022” special report. This series profiles a carefully selected group of media industry financial professionals who describe what it takes to excel at their jobs via leading, mentoring and building their teams – all while challenging themselves to reach higher levels of success. I’m struck by their determination and motivation – as well as the inspiration they find from activities outside of the office.

In a separate feature story, analyst Justin Nielsen of Kagan provides extensive data that indicate both television and radio should feel confident about advertising and audience growth in 2022. TV broadcasters will benefit from legalized sports betting ads and midterm political ad spending.

While radio is expected to remain impacted by the decrease in drive-time audiences, it will see ad revenues increase enough to offset the steep ad decline of 2020, at least partially. While radio audience growth will slow, it will still be positive.

In his “Credit Where Due” column, Robin Szabo dissects the new Current Expected Credit Loss model that should be adopted by those in credit and collections trying to determine the best way to calculate Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. In this continued climate of economic uncertainty, his advice is solid, as always.

Leadership consultant Sarah Levitt offers words of wisdom to newly promoted media executives in her “Human Factor” piece, “The Imposter Syndrome.” She lays out tactics on how to prevail when someone feels fearful that they aren’t fully qualified.

Hank Price, a TV station general manager turned media consultant, provides particulars on ways financial managers can – and should – become trusted advisors to their department head or CEO in his “Last Word” column.

And our “Dear Expert” column author, Ronnie Raju, warns of potential dangers when companies attempt to trademark generic terms and gain a leg up on competitors. She prescribes a very specific set of rules to follow.

My hope for the new year is that media financial leaders throughout the industry will embrace ongoing challenges and will lean on each other – and on MFM – for advice and support.

The People to Watch in 2022 describe what it takes to excel at their jobs via leading, mentoring and building their teams.

Dave Bochenek is Chair of MFM/BCCA’s Board of Directors; dbochenek@sbgtv.com.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

SALLY BUCKMAN Member Lerman Senter PLLC

GREG LECHOWSKI Director of Finance Bonneville Media Phoenix

NAT McCALL Senior Manager, U.S. Credit & Collections Discovery, Inc. CAL MOSTELLA Vice President, Treasurer WarnerMedia

CHRISTINE PECHER Director of Marketing Marketron

GARY REX Director of Finance BYU Broadcasting

JOHN SANDERS Principal Bond & Pecaro

MEREDITH SENTER Member Lerman Senter PLLC

C. ROBIN SZABO President Szabo Associates

JAMIE GRANDE MFM/BCCA Staff Liaison

CONTRIBUTORS

DAVID BOCHENEK Sinclair Broadcast Group

SARAH LEVITT

JUSTIN NIELSON Kagan

HANK PRICE

RONNIE RAJU Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP

C. ROBIN SZABO Szabo Associates Inc.

KRISTA VAN LEWEN MFM & BCCA Public Relations