One of the many features Radio Ink has become known for is its world-famous lists — like the 40 Most Powerful People in Radio, the Most Influential Women in Radio, and the Best Program Directors in America, just to name a few. In 2017, we launched a new list — The 20 Best Leaders in Radio.
We asked readers to vote on and choose who they believed were the best people to work for in the radio industry. Voting took place at radioink.com over three weeks. We ranked and updated the standings every day.
In 2018, the radio industry voted Urban One Radio Stations & REACH Media CEO David Kantor to the top spot, nudging out NRG Media CEO Mary Quass (Quass was #1 in 2017).
Here is our interview with David Kantor. The entire list — and all of their advice on being great leaders — is only available in the print issue of Radio Ink. You can subscribe to the magazine by CLICKING HERE.
In October of 2015, Urban One (then Radio One) hired David Kantor as CEO of its radio segment. At the time, Kantor was President and Chief Executive Officer of Reach Media, the syndicated arm of Urban One. The promotion gave Kantor oversight over all of Urban One’s radio stations in its 16 markets and the syndicated radio portfolio that reaches over 12 million African Americans weekly. Upon making the move, Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins said, “I highly respect his work ethic and intelligence. David’s skillset, his business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit are second to none.”
And for this issue, Urban One CFO Peter Thompson tells Radio Ink, “David is the consummate professional; he knows the radio business inside out, and is equally comfortable talking with on-air talent, as he is on a sales call, or reviewing the numbers. He is an extremely experienced senior executive, decisive and direct, and a pleasure to work with.”
Kantor began his career in local radio research and programming and then sales. A long time radio executive, Kantor has been a leader in developing existing companies as well as launching new brands. As president of ABC Radio Networks in the 1990s, which produced over 50 programs and reached over 100 million listeners at the time, he was able to refine the programming lineup while creating new programming that included the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Radio Disney, and ESPN Radio, along with new content services and advertising networks for radio.
As Senior Vice President for Network Operations at AMFM Inc., he launched a premium radio network in 1996 that eventually sold to Clear Channel in 2000. In 2003, Tom Joyner and David Kantor co-founded Reach Media, providing syndicated radio programming, events, and digital content to the African-American community. Today the network reaches 1 in 3 adult African Americans. Prior to joining ABC Radio Network, he held executive positions with Cox Cable and Satellite Music Network.
Kantor has a long track record of success in the radio industry. He has repeatedly led organizations into profitable expansion resulting from product development and opportunities that he has fearlessly pursued. And in 2018, he received more votes than any other radio leader in our online poll, moving him into our top spot, up from number two last year. You can clearly see by the quotes we’ve highlighted from Urban One employees, the people who work for Kantor, exactly why he was voted The Best Leader in Radio for 2018.
Kantor tells Radio Ink the top three characteristics of great leaders in radio are: hard work, perseverance, and genuine empathy, and his advice for future leaders is to always put in the time and effort. “Always set the example. Always be accessible. And do whatever is necessary to help your people succeed.” The one thing Kantor would like to see radio improve upon is being more aggressive in bringing young talent into the business.
Here are just a few of the comments we received about David from the people who work for him and with him…
“David Kantor is a hard-driving genius you had better be well prepared to interact with. His brain jumps ahead of the average person by miles and he can process data and predict outcomes quickly and succinctly. He is a great match with Alfred Liggins.”
Kathy Stinehour
Detroit Market Manager
Urban One
“He is everything you want in a leader in today’s fast media environment. David is able to use his vast experience to make decisive and strategic decisions quickly. And if you are asking about what it is like to work for him, there is an old saying as to whether you would want to be in a fox hole with your leader, and the answer is, absolutely. He is on the front lines with all of us.”
Tim Davies
Regional VP and GM
Urban One Atlanta
“David’s style of leadership is exemplified in three traits that I admire: he is aware of what is happening in each radio market and business unit; he is direct in expressing his opinions and concerns so you know where you stand; and he supports and fights for his managers.”
Linda Vilardo
Former Urban One Chief Administrative Officer
“David is a brilliant leader, and a legend in network radio. He
is extraordinarily respected in the industry for his master-minded vision, success, and intelligence. It is a tremendous honor and education to work directly with him. I’m excited to see David win this award that he so richly deserves.”
Tami Honesty
VP/GM
Urban One in Dallas
“Since I started this journey with David I have appreciated that we are always able to have very open and candid conversations about what’s best for our business and our team. He respects our opinions as market leaders and is always a resource to help figure out how to get things done.”
Pamela McKay
VP/GM Urban One Houston
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