WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation has graduated its 16-member 2026 Broadcasting Leadership Training class, an executive MBA-style program designed to equip senior-level executives with the strategic and operational skills to lead TV and radio organizations.

With this year’s graduating class, the program—now operating for more than 26 years—brings its alumni network to more than 448 leaders, NABLF said.

The 2026 graduating class was the first under Co-Deans Trila Bumstead and Mark Jaromin, both BLT alumni. The deans have evolved the program’s curriculum to address today’s media landscape, NABLF said, with training on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

This year’s graduates represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, NABLF said. They are:

• Fletcher Brown, operations manager and program director, Big River Broadcasting
• Jerome David Crumpton, general sales and marketing manager, Courtney French Broadcasting LLC
• Jennifer Dale, vice president of recruiting, Gray Media
• Joey Figueroa, vice president and director of sales, Univision Orlando, TelevisaUnivision
• Whitney Grover, general manager and director of sales, KJRH Tulsa, The E.W. Scripps Co.
• Valerie Guyton, president and general manager, KWES; KIDY/KXVA; KYTX and KBMT/KJAC, Tegna
• Ryan Hatch, senior vice president and market manager, Phoenix, Bonneville
• Tiffany Hickman, vice president and general sales manager, Holston Valley Broadcasting
• Andria Langston, founder, Legacy Media Productions; owner, WDKX Radio
• Jaimie León, vice president and general manager, WSLS, Graham Media Group
• Samantha Linn, controller and chief accounting officer, Morgan Murphy Media
• Pamela McKay, vice president and market manager, Radio One Atlanta
• Allison Smith, president and general manager, KETV, Hearst
• Katelin Tinley, vice president and market manager, CMG Long Island Radio, Cox Media Group
• Haley Townsend, regional director of digital content, Northeast, Fox TV Stations
• Scott Trabandt, news director, CMG Pittsburgh TV, Cox Media Group

“This year’s class demonstrated exceptional curiosity, collaboration and strategic vision, particularly in exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping media,” Michelle Duke, president of NABLF, said. “Their passion for the business of broadcasting and commitment to innovation give us tremendous confidence for the future of our industry.”

WASHINGTON—The NAB Leadership Foundation is preparing for the 2021 edition of its Broadcast Leadership Training program, for which it is now accepting applications.

Now in its 21st year, BLT is an executive training program for the broadcast industry designed to prepare senior-level broadcasters to advance into ownership or executive positions. This includes the fundamentals of purchasing, owning and operating radio and TV stations.

NABLF especially encourages women and people of color to apply for the program.

This iteration of BLT will be a hybrid online and in-person model because of health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19. All education sessions planned through the end of 2020 will be held online. The inaugural session is scheduled to take place Sept. 24-25. The complete schedule will be announced in early October.

“As we transition to a hybrid online and in-person model, we look forward to expanding the reach of the Broadcast Leadership Training program,” said Diane Sutter, BLT program founder and dean, as well as the founder and CEO of ShootingStar Broadcasting. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we cultivate the next class of diverse industry leaders and equip them with the knowledge and training to advance their careers.”

The application deadline for the 2021 BLT program is Aug. 19. For more information or to apply for the BLT program, visit www.nabfoundation.org.  

WASHINGTON—The NAB Education Foundation will once again host a Broadcast Leadership Training program in 2020, and is now accepting applications from senior-level broadcasters. The training program is designed to prepare its participants to advance into ownership or executive positions.

Now in its 20th year, BLT is a 10-month program that guides participants through the process of assessing, purchasing, owning and operating radio and television properties. Senior-level broadcast executives, FCC staff, communications attorneys, investors and members of the banking community serve as some of the teachers, along with academic faculty from various universities.

BLT sessions are held one weekend a month for the 10-month program at the NAB headquarters in Washington, D.C. In addition, participants have the opportunity to attend the NAB State Leadership Conference, the NAB Show and the NABEF Celebration of Service to America Awards.

General managers, experienced general sales managers, seasoned department heads and regional and corporate executives are encouraged to apply before the Aug. 30 deadline.

There are also fellowship opportunities for women and people of color. Diversity Fellowship applications are due by May 31.

For more information, visit nabef.org/blt.