The Second Annual New York Radio Advertising Forum Set for March 15

Tony Ponturo from Anheuser-Busch to Deliver Luncheon Keynote with Special Introduction by “King of Comedy,” Steve Harvey

New York, New York – February 15, 2007 -- Radio: On-Air, On-Line & On-Site,  the second annual one-day advertising forum presented by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), the Advertising Club of New York, and Adweek Magazines, takes place Thursday, March 15, 8 am-2pm at the Westin New York, Times Square.  Providing a glimpse into how Radio fits into today’s consumer-centric media landscape, marketing and media experts will share insights into how they use Radio to passionately connect with listeners. 

Tony Ponturo, Vice President of Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Busch Media Group, will deliver the luncheon keynote featuring an exclusive, and surprising, Real Men of Genius audio spot produced specifically for this event. 

Steve Harvey, “The King of Comedy,” heard mornings on WBLS, New York, and syndicated nationally through Premiere Radio Networks, will provide a special introduction with his signature brand of humor.

Radio continues to be a significant part of Anheuser-Busch’s marketing effort, and Ponturo will reveal how Radio provides the brewing company with the opportunity to work closely with wholesale distributors in their individual markets, integrating brand traits with local market Radio personalities.  

Ponturo will highlight the strengths of Radio compared to other media, including Radio’s targeted audience demographics and lifestyles, and the medium’s ability to tie in with local retail promotions.  In addition, he will provide the Radio industry with suggestions on how to work with advertisers like Anheuser-Busch to create added value and make both parties winners.

In his position at Anheuser-Busch, Ponturo’s responsibilities range from directing the media planning and buying functions for the company’s beer brands and Busch Entertainment, including Busch Gardens and Sea World, to overseeing the sports/entertainment and digital marketing and sports production operations within the company.

The Radio forum also will present the following panel sessions with marketing, media, music, and broadcasting experts: “Music To Your Ears,” “Radio And The Consumer’s Mind,” “Driving Forces,” and “What’s the Big Idea?”  For a complete agenda and to register, visit www.rab.com, or www.theadvertsiingclub.com.

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is the sales and marketing arm of the Radio industry with nearly 7,000 members including close to 6,000 stations in the U.S., and over 1,000 associate members in networks, representative firms, sales, and international organizations.

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