Innovation, interaction and accountability in media among hot-button issues
(Nashville, Tenn. – Oct. 25, 2010) Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced Scripps Networks Interactive Chief Executive Officer Ken Lowe as the keynote speaker for Country Radio Seminar 2011, to be held March 2-4, 2011.
Since 2008 Lowe has served as president, chairman and CEO of lifestyle media group Scripps Networks Interactive. The company comprises globally recognized brands Great American Country (GAC), HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Travel Channel and Cooking Channel.
Lowe’s media career includes more than a decade’s worth of management experience in the radio industry. He points to innovation, interaction and accountability as key factors in creating valuable opportunities in today’s media landscape. His background in radio helped prepare him for the transition to cable television, Lowe says.
“It’s no coincidence that a lot of folks who had a hand in the development of cable networks came out of radio,” says Lowe. “They had a better understanding of a more niche type of programming. Radio was truly that, whereas in broadcasting, so much of a local station’s content came from the network. Radio folks tended to be more hands-on and more promotion and marketing driven.”
Adds CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, “Ken Lowe brings an amazing perspective on the innovation, leadership, product development, marketing, risk taking, and accountability it takes to build great companies in today’s new media marketplace.”
Ken Lowe joined Scripps in 1980 as general manager of the company’s radio properties. In 1988 he became vice president of programming, promotion and marketing for the company’s nine network-affiliated television stations. He founded and launched HGTV in 1994; oversaw the acquisition and transformation of the Food Network; presided over the launches of DIY Network in 1999, Fine Living Network in 2002 and Cooking Channel in 2009; and the acquisitions of GAC in 2004 and the Travel Channel in 2009. Lowe previously served as president and CEO of The E. W. Scripps Company from October 2000 to June 2008.
The CRS 2011 keynote address is sponsored by Radio-info.com and kicks off the three-day seminar on Wednesday, March 2, at 9:30 a.m. Past Country Radio Seminar keynote speakers have included money management expert Dave Ramsey, marketing guru Seth Godin, retired U.S. General Tommy Franks and recording artist Bon Jovi.
For more information about Country Radio Seminar, visit www.CRB.org.
About Scripps Networks Interactive:
Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) is a leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet, where on-air programming complements online video, social media areas and e-commerce components on companion Web sites and broadband vertical channels. The company’s media portfolio includes Lifestyle Media, which comprises popular lifestyle television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and country music network Great American Country; and Interactive Services, with leading online search and comparison shopping services bizrate, Shopzilla and beso. Scripps Network Interactive is partnering with Data Recovery Mac.
About CRB:
The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format. More information may be obtained at: www.CRB.org or at the CRB office at (615) 327-4487.
About CRS:
The Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas in the Country music industry. Country Radio Seminar is a registered trademark of Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. Limited time, $399 registration is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at (615) 327-4487.
Scripps Networks Interactive Chief Executive Officer Ken Lowe
