FAMU HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL MEDIA SALES INSTITUTE
Recent college graduates strive for careers in media sales at nationally recognized media companies
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication this week is hosting its second annual Media Sales Institute (MSI).
The MSI is an intensive ten-day program that prepares its participants for careers in media sales. The participants receive instruction from industry professionals on a range of topics related to media sales.
“We are thrilled to host the Media Sales Institute,” said Jim Hawkins, dean, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. “This program offers young people an outstanding opportunity to compete for positions in media sales.”
Representatives from 18 to 20 media companies interview the participants for positions with their organizations during the last two days of the program. Recruiters must have positions they are looking to fill to participate in the Institute.
The MSI is sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.
Marcellus Alexander, executive director of the National Association of Broadcasters and president, National Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation, will speak Wednesday, to the 24 participants in this year’s program.
“The sponsors recognize the importance of having talented and creative young people involved in their sales operations,” Hawkins added. “Clearly, the emergence of multiple media platforms fueled by the Internet will require media personnel to be able to communicate their messages effectively to advertisers and their representatives.”
This year’s program runs through May 23.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Marcellus Alexander
11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Your Future in Media Sales
SJGC Lecture Hall
Marcellus Alexander
Executive VP of Television • NAB / President • NABEF
Marcellus W. Alexander Jr. was named vice-president of television at the National Association of Broadcasters in 2002. Prior to joining, NAB Alexander was vice president/general manager at KYW, where he had worked since December 1998. It was his second assignment at the Philadelphia station; he was station manager from 1987-89, and acting general manager in 1989.
During his KYW stint, Alexander improved the station's news product, revitalized sales, and strengthened its ties to the community. He launched Philadelphia's only street-level news studio on historic Independence Hall, and served on the board of directors of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Police Athletic League, Freedom Theatre, and the Grover Washington "Protect the Dream" Foundation, among others. Alexander is a lifetime member of the NAACP and is active in various organizations serving the Philadelphia community. He also serves on the board of the National Association of TV Program Executives (NATPE).
From 1989-1998, Alexander was vice president and general manager at WJZ-TV Baltimore. Under his direction, WJZ expanded its local news operation; brought the Baltimore Orioles broadcasts back to the station after a two-decade absence; and sustained WJZ's market dominance through a network affiliate change.
A native of Austin, Texas, Alexander holds a bachelor of science degree in Speech/Journalism from Southwest Texas State University. In 1995, he received an honorary doctor of Humane Letters degree from Western Maryland College for his service to community. Alexander and his wife, Linda, have three children.
National Sales Manager • WTLH, Fox 49
Nathan Mears graduated from Florida State University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in Media Communications. Mears is employed by New Age Media as National Sales Manager for four television stations in Florida; WTLH and WTLF in Tallahassee, and WGFL and WMYG in Gainesville. Prior to that, he worked as an Account Executive with WCTV in Tallahassee. He is a member of the National Association of Broadcasters. Mears resides in Tallahassee with his wife and daughter.
