Parkersburg Homecoming For Bob Lawrence
• Seven Mountains Media announces industry veteran Bob Lawrence as the newly named Market Manager for the company’s Parkersburg, WV-Marietta, OH group, effective Wednesday, May 1. He succeeds the retiring Don Staats, who is stepping back from day-to-day operations.
Lawrence most recently served as General Manager of RAB’s National Radio Talent System (NRTS) since January 2023. In 2020, Lawrence moved to Jackson, MS as Market Manager for New South Radio, later adding the company’s Meridian market. Lawrence has held nearly every position in radio, including on-air, programming and sales. In 2000, he launched Pinnacle Media Worldwide, serving 15 years as President/CEO of the San Diego-based research firm before being recruited by Saga Communications in 2015, where he spent five years as corporate VP of Programming/Content. Earlier in his career Lawrence spent a decade as SVP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture.
Lawrence commented, “I am such a strong believer in the NRTS mission and I’m so grateful to Erica Farber, Mike Hulvey and the entire RAB team.” In a joint statement, Erica Farber, outgoing RAB President & CEO and her successor, Mike Hulvey, stated, “We thank Bob for his efforts during his tenure at the National Radio Talent System in helping us to integrate the Radio Talent Institutes into RAB’s business as well as evolve the program in making sure it equips students with the skills they need for a future career in radio. We are looking forward to the institutes taking place in late spring.”
Commenting on his new adventure in familiar territory, Lawrence noted, “Returning to this market is such a thrill, as I launched my on-air career at WXIL 40+ years ago. Now, I get to come back at a time when WXIL is one of the six stations Seven Mountains Media closed on in January. President and owner Kristin Cantrell is truly the future of this business and has insight and energy beyond anyone I’ve ever known.”
Cantrell commented, “Parkersburg holds incredible potential for the future. Bob Lawrence is the right leader to unlock all the opportunities and lead everyone to heights they never thought were possible. We are delighted that Bob is joining Seven Mountains Media.” Lawrence can be congratulated at bglawrence@me.com.
