(Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 22, 2014) – Entrepreneur and philanthropist Todd Wagner, has been announced as the keynote speaker for Country Radio Seminar 2015. Wagner’s motivational address will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at the Nashville Convention Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn.
“We are thrilled that Todd has agreed to join us for a unique discussion,” said CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne. “We’ve been looking for the right person to speak on ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ in the marketplace for several years. When you consider his body of work with success in innovation, entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Todd Wagner is the perfect person to share his perspective with our industry!”
“Country music has grown to become the dominant genre in American radio due in large part to the passion and innovation of CRS and its attendees,” Wagner said. “I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing a few of the lessons I’ve learned as a successful entrepreneur.”
A native of Gary, Ind., Wagner received a B.S. from Indiana University, and subsequently earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. After becoming a partner in a major law firm in Dallas, he decided to follow his dreams and become a full-time entrepreneur in the emerging Internet sector.
In 1995, Wagner joined with fellow Indiana alumnus Mark Cuban to launch Broadcast.com, which broadcasts live sporting events, corporate events and radio stations over the Internet. As CEO of Broadcast.com, Wagner helped take the company public in 1998, where it set an opening-day record with shares climbing 249%.
Wagner later fused his passion for entertainment with his business portfolio to build the Wagner/Cuban Companies. This vertically integrated portfolio of companies spans content creation, distribution and exhibition: 2929 Entertainment, 2929 Productions, Magnolia Pictures, Landmark Theatres and AXS TV. In addition, Wagner serves on the boards of directors for both the American Film Institute and the Tribeca Film Institute.
Wagner’s business interests also include a stake in the Dallas Mavericks, as well as the Weinstein Company. Additionally, he is a founder and co-chairman of Content Partners LLC, a company that invests in the back-end profit participations of Hollywood talent.
In addition to his business endeavors, Wagner has made a very substantial commitment of his time, energy and resources to giving back through the Todd Wagner Foundation. Since 2000, the Foundation has implemented Wagner’s vision of venture philanthropy and invested tens of millions of dollars in cutting-edge programs that empower underserved communities and at-risk youth. This includes significant support for such notable charities as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, KIPP (the Knowledge is Power Program), After-School All-Stars, and the First Tee.
Wagner’s latest endeavor is Chideo – the charity network – which launched in January 2014. As the first interactive charity broadcast network, Chideo is the only place where fans can discover and inspire one-of-a-kind content and experiences from their favorite personalities – all while making the world a better place. Currently, there are nearly 100 personalities and 80 notable charities participating.
In recognition of his business and philanthropic efforts, Wagner has received numerous honors including induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame (2012), the After-School All-Stars Inspire Award (2010); Special Care and Career Services Milton P. Levy Volunteerism Award (2008); Dallas CASA’s “Champion of Kids” (2005); Kappa Sigma’s National Man of the Year (2003); and Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2002) by Dallas’ Center for Nonprofit Management.
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. CRS 2015 will be held Feb. 25-27, 2015, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information. Like CRS on Facebook and follow CRS on Twitter (Hashtag #CRS2015). Download the CRS smartphone app, powered by Country Aircheck, on Android and iPhone to review the CRS 2015 agenda, maps, news and more.
Todd Wagner
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