Katz Media Group history

He had joined the firm in 1928.

1949: The agency begins representing television stations.

In 1972 Katz adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). After being a family-owned business for 84 years, the company was sold to its employees for about $3 million.

All of these were losing money when new financial management was brought in; Dick Mendelson was hired by Katz chairman and CEO Jim Greenwald as chief financial officer in 1975.

In 1976 Katz began its in-house data processing operation, Media Data, which later became an important sales tool by providing online computing services to the radio and television stations that Katz represented.

In 1980 Katz acquired Field Spot Sales and formed a new division, Katz National, to represent independent television stations and, later, Fox affiliates.

Katz Broadcasting was formed in 1981 when the company purchased four radio stations from Park City Communications for $16 million and another station in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for $3 million from Curtis Communications.

In 1982 Mendelson became president of Katz.

In 1983 Katz acquired the in-house representative for Metromedia television stations, Metro TV Sales.

Katz Radio acquired two major competitors, Christal Radio and RKO Radio Sales, in 1984.

By 1986 Katz Broadcasting owned and operated 11 radio stations, which were then sold to an employee group headed by the president of Katz Broadcasting for $68.3 million.

In 1987 Katz Radio acquired another competitor, Blair Radio, which was renamed Banner Radio.

At the end of 1991 Peter Goulazian, formerly president of Katz Television Group, succeeded James Greenwald as the CEO of Katz Communications.

In January 1992 Katz Communications acquired Seltel International Inc., a competing television representative, for about $15 million.

In September 1993 Katz Hispanic Media began representing the seven radio stations owned by Spanish Broadcasting System.

Katz's plans for an IPO were put on hold when Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corp. (DLJ), through its investment fund DLJ Merchant Banking Partners Inc., acquired a majority interest in Katz in July 1994.

Katz completed its IPO in 1995, and for the first time in its 108-year history it became a publicly owned company.

Joe joined Katz in May 1996 as Vice President of Information Technology Services, and has since held leadership roles, such as Vice President of Client Services, and Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer.

Early in 1997 Seltel split into two divisions, Republic and Capitol, to improve service to clients.

In mid-1999 Katz launched a sports marketing division, Sports Spectrum, to represent athletic teams and sports venues.

Radio Ink has named Christine one of the “Most Influential Women in Radio” since 2005.

He became President of Eagle Television Sales in 2008.