Genesis Media Holdings, which O&Os McGavren Guild Media, has acquired Local Focus from Kay Olin and Dave Demer. The two rep firms will operate independently under the Genesis Media Holdings umbrella. Genesis entered the media rep biz in 2008 when it funded McGavren Guild’s rebirth as an independent firm after the Chapter 7 bankruptcy of McGavren Guild’s then-parent company, Interep.
Atlanta-based Local Focus reps more than 350 stations, including Dick Broadcasting, URBan Radio Broadcasting and Guaranty Broadcasting. The firm is noted for its tools to maximize the power of radio for advertisers, including its RapidRate system, event marketing expertise and its DJ Lifestyle Network, which helps match marketers with radio personalities best suited to represent their brands both on-air and in social media.
Dave Demer has been named President of Local Focus, being previously VP/Revenue. Demer brings 20 years of experience in radio and event marketing including marketing and sales positions with Clear Channel Radio and Cox Media.
Local Focus founder Kay Olin will now act as a consultant to Genesis Media, continuing to build on relationships developed over the years while at Local Focus.
Olin tells RBR-TVBR: “This is a win-win for Local Focus and the National Rep Business all round! The Local Focus team, who have enjoyed great success, will remain intact but enjoy the benefit and financial support of a great company, Genesis Media Holdings. There will be a larger platform to take to the market with their other and growing holdings such as McGavren Guild. This will serve Local Focus clients well with the expanded base. ”
Genesis has also tapped former Director of National Sales at Cumulus Media Kevin Garrity to the newly created position of Manager of the company. Garrity, a 26-year radio vet, will focus on building the Genesis Media platform reporting to the board and investors. Prior to his time at Cumulus, where he also held the positions of General Sales Manager for their Westchester, NY stations, and Northeast Regional National Sales Manager, Garrity spent 20 years at Interep, the last five of which he was President of ABC Radio Sales.
Genesis Media Holdings CFO Billy McEntee tells RBR-TVBR: “In line with Genesis’ Strategic Growth Plan in this sector, we have made investment in Local Focus and brought Kevin Garrity on board. We believe that both McGavren and Local Focus will benefit from being under the same group with access to a larger platform.”
McGavren Guild Media President Lisa Sirotka-Sonnenklar tells us: “since Day 1, Genesis Media has been focused on growth. Almost 5 years later Genesis Media continues to be committed to building our platform. The investment made to acquire Local Focus benefits McGavren Guild Media as we will now have access to a larger platform to take to market. More stations and more people in my mind presents opportunity on both sides. In addition I could not be more thrilled to be working with Kevin Garrity. He brings a tremendous depth of rep experience to the table. Together I am confident we are all poised for great success.”
