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John M. Hannon Joins Sinclair as GM of Nebraska TV Stations

John M. Hannon Joins Sinclair as GM of Nebraska TV Stations

marketing 13 May 2025

Sinclair Broadcast Group has appointed John M. Hannon as the new Vice President and General Manager of KPTM and KXVO in Omaha, NE, and KHGI and KFXL in the Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney market. Hannon brings over 30 years of experience in media leadership to the role, with a proven track record in growing both audience engagement and revenue. His appointment marks a strategic move by Sinclair to strengthen its operations and market presence in Nebraska.

Leadership Experience Spanning Broadcast, Sales, and Consulting

1. Extensive Media Background

  • Most recently served as SVP of Local Media Sales at TelevisaUnivision, overseeing revenue for 59 TV and 57 radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

  • Held executive roles including:

    • Regional President, Central Region

    • President & GM, Houston Local Media division

2. Previous Executive and Consulting Roles

  • President, Jim Doyle & Associates: A prominent media consulting and training firm.

  • EVP, ACME Communications

  • VP & GM, WBDT-TV, Dayton, Ohio

  • Early leadership roles in Billings, MT and Dayton, OH, across stations including KHMT-TV, KSVI-TV, WRGT-TV, and WKEF-TV.

3. Military and Academic Credentials

  • A 12-year U.S. military veteran (Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Army National Guard).

  • Holds a Master’s in Broadcast Station Management from Marshall University.

  • Bachelor’s in Telecommunications from Ohio University.

  • Graduate of the NAB Broadcast Leadership Training Program.

  • Earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation and is a 3-time best-selling author in leadership and management.

4. A Record of Service and Community Engagement

  • Served on numerous industry and civic boards, including:

    • National Association of Broadcasters

    • American Advertising Federation

    • Montana Broadcasting Association

    • Ohio Association of Broadcasters

    • Texas Association of Broadcasters

    • Several local Chambers of Commerce and advertising groups

Sinclair Leadership on the Appointment

We are excited to welcome John to Sinclair. With more than 30 years of experience in media, John’s extensive leadership background and 

consistent track record of delivering audience and revenue growth make him the ideal person to lead our teams in Nebraska.”

— Rob Weisbord, COO and President of Local Media, Sinclair

Vision for the Future

It’s privilege to lead this next chapter of growth as we maximize value for both viewers and advertisers across our best-in-class products and services.”
— John M. Hannon, VP and GM, Sinclair Nebraska Stations

Hannon aims to enhance community connection, grow advertising value, and elevate content experiences across Sinclair’s Nebraska stations, aligning with the company’s broader digital and broadcast strategy.

John M. Hannon’s appointment reinforces Sinclair’s commitment to strong leadership and community-focused broadcasting. With decades of strategic experience, military discipline, and an innovative mindset, Hannon is well-positioned to lead KPTM, KXVO, KHGI, and KFXL into a new era of viewer engagement and operational excellence.

HuffPost Celebrates 20 Years of Bold Digital Journalism

HuffPost Celebrates 20 Years of Bold Digital Journalism

digital marketing 13 May 2025

HuffPost, the influential online news organization known for its bold, digital-first journalism, marks its 20th anniversary in 2025. Since launching as The Huffington Post in 2005, the platform has evolved from a trailblazing blog to a respected global news outlet, reaching millions of readers with its unique blend of hard-hitting reporting, cultural commentary, and community engagement.

Two Decades of Disruption and Impact

1. A Pioneering Digital-First Platform

  • Founded in New York City by Arianna Huffington, Jonah Peretti, and Kenneth Lerer, HuffPost redefined how news is delivered and consumed.

  • Among the first major media brands to embrace internet-native content, empowering journalists and citizen voices alike.

2. Award-Winning Legacy

  • Recipient of numerous prestigious awards including:

    • Pulitzer Prize for national reporting

    • National Magazine Award

    • Multiple Webby Awards

    • GLAAD honors for inclusive and diverse storytelling

  • HuffPost’s journalism has consistently highlighted underrepresented voices and social justice issues.

3. Leadership Voice in a Changing Media Landscape

  • Editor-in-Chief Whitney Snyder emphasized HuffPost’s role in defending independent journalism:

    We are committed to the next 20 years of indispensable, independent reporting.”

4. Brand Evolution and Refreshed Visual Identity

  • Unveiled a new logo to honor its legacy and modern mission:

    • White text on a dark green background, with pink accents and an updated H” icon.

    • A symbolic return to HuffPost’s bold roots and truth-driven values.

5. HuffPost Helps Day: A Community-Driven Initiative

  • To mark the milestone, HuffPost launched HuffPost Helps Day” on May 9, 2025:

    • Nationwide volunteer efforts by HuffPost employees at food banks, shelters, and nonprofits.

    • Reflects HuffPost’s ongoing commitment to community service and real-world impact.

6. Celebrating Iconic Moments and Headlines

  • A special editorial retrospective chronicled HuffPost’s standout achievements:

    • Support for gay marriage in 2006

    • BuzzFeed’s acquisition in 2021

    • A collection of iconic homepage splashes and interviews from editors and founders detailing the evolution of the HuffPost brand.

As HuffPost celebrates two transformative decades in journalism, the platform continues to thrive on its original promise — to inform, inspire, and engage readers through fearless reporting and meaningful storytelling. With refreshed branding, a renewed editorial mission, and deep community roots, HuffPost stands ready for the next chapter in digital news.

Comcast Business Launches New Unlimited Premium Flex Plan for Small Businesses

Comcast Business Launches New Unlimited Premium Flex Plan for Small Businesses

business 13 May 2025

Comcast Business has announced the launch of its new Unlimited Premium Flex mobile plan, designed to provide small businesses with the upgraded features they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. The new plan delivers enhanced mobile features such as increased mobile hotspot data, advanced spam call blocking, 4K streaming, and twice-a-year phone upgrades all at the same great price as the previous Unlimited Premium plan.

In addition, to mark Small Business Month, Comcast Business is offering a special promotion: a $1,000 Small Business Bonus for customers who switch to qualifying Gig speed packages with Comcast Business Internet service.

Features of the New Unlimited Premium Flex Plan

  • Unlimited High-Speed Data: Enjoy unlimited high-speed data on America’s most reliable 5G network, alongside access to over 23 million WiFi hotspots nationwide.

  • More 5G Mobile Hotspot Data: Small business owners get 40 GB of 5G mobile hotspot data, perfect for keeping devices like laptops and tablets connected when on the move.

  • Advanced Spam Call Blocking: With Xfinity Call Guard, Comcast Business Mobile customers can avoid unwanted spam calls with smart filters that block potential threats.

  • 4K Streaming: Customers can now stream videos in 4K UHD quality, ensuring the best video experience wherever they go.

  • Elite Upgrades: The new phone upgrade benefit offers small businesses two upgrades per year, with a device discount of up to $830 through eligible trade-ins.

  • WiFi PowerBoost: WiFi PowerBoost technology enables customers to access speeds of up to 1 Gbps, delivering up to 150% faster speeds than previously, as confirmed by Ookla's Speedtest Intelligence® research.

Small Business Month Celebration: $1,000 Small Business Bonus

As part of its Small Business Month celebration, Comcast Business is offering an exciting $1,000 Small Business Bonus to customers who switch to a qualifying Gig speed Internet package. This offer aims to help small businesses move forward by offering extra financial flexibility for investments in areas like inventory, technology, marketing, employee development, and more.

Small business owners will benefit from 99.99% network reliability and advanced cybersecurity as part of Comcast Business’s suite of solutions.

With its Unlimited Premium Flex plan, Comcast Business is making it easier for small businesses to stay connected, efficient, and competitive. Backed by America’s fastest broadband network and the largest WiFi network, this new mobile offering promises enhanced connectivity, speed, and value for small business owners.

The $1,000 Small Business Bonus is the cherry on top, offering a timely boost to help small businesses continue growing. Whether it’s more reliable mobile service, better devices, or savings on top-tier internet service, Comcast Business offers small businesses an unbeatable mobile experience.

Black Epic Entertainment Launches Innovative Platform BlackEpic.org

Black Epic Entertainment Launches Innovative Platform BlackEpic.org

marketing 13 May 2025

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Black Epic Entertainment, led by visionary founder Eddie R, has officially unveiled BlackEpic.org, a groundbreaking platform that reimagines how audiences experience media. Aimed at reshaping independent media, BlackEpic.org goes beyond the traditional website model, offering a bold, interactive, and immersive digital environment designed to foster direct connection with its community.

A Cinematic Digital Destination

BlackEpic.org isn’t just a website; it’s a creative statement. From its sleek, bold visuals to its unique navigation, the platform stands as a testament to the studio’s commitment to originality and artistic ownership. With genre-themed visuals and a game-style navigation interface, the site offers users not just a place to browse but a world to explore.

The site is by far the most creative in the entertainment space,” says Eddie R in a recent Medium article. “We pushed the design and took a novel approach in regards to its functionality and purpose.” The flagship project, Gallery: The Docuseries, introduces users to the studio’s distinct narrative style and serves as a preview of the broader creative slate.

Building a Direct Connection with Audiences

In an era dominated by social media platforms and external gatekeepers, Black Epic Entertainment is breaking away from the norm. The studio is dedicated to direct audience engagement, emphasizing a personal connection with fans rather than relying on third-party platforms. BlackEpic.org reflects this strategy, positioning the site as more than just a content showcase — it’s a purpose-built ecosystem focused on fostering community interaction.

Our aim is to create a magical experience that inspires the next wave of creators,” Eddie explains. Every design choice on BlackEpic.org is intended to engage users in a curated journey, showcasing original storytelling while promoting a broader vision for the studio's future.

A Vision for the Future of Independent Media

The launch of BlackEpic.org comes at a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry, as many studios and streaming services are reassessing how they connect with their audiences. For Black Epic, the answer isn’t just about producing more content, but about creating deeper, more meaningful experiences. The platform is designed with innovation at its core, offering a rich, immersive experience that goes beyond mere visibility.

We’re constantly exploring new territories,” Eddie says. “Expect more innovation from us in the future.” BlackEpic.org is just the beginning of the studio’s quest to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in independent media.

With its launch, BlackEpic.org marks a bold step into the future of entertainment, with a focus on ownership, creativity, and audience connection. As the studio continues to explore new territory, it promises to lead the way for the next generation of creators and media experiences.

George Cummins Shares Entrepreneurial Wisdom on Legacy Makers TV

George Cummins Shares Entrepreneurial Wisdom on Legacy Makers TV

entertainment 13 May 2025

George Cummins, the visionary founder of Buck Bourbon, will soon appear on the Legacy Makers TV show, where he will share his invaluable insights on building resilience, leading with integrity, and creating a brand that resonates with purpose. Legacy Makers is a cinematic docu-series that highlights the personal and professional journeys of entrepreneurs and change-makers, and Cummins is set to inspire viewers with his story.

Legacy Makers TV: A Platform for Change-Makers

Hosted by Rudy Mawer, Legacy Makers TV is an innovative show that shines a spotlight on notable figures, including entrepreneurs like Cummins and other trailblazers. The show takes a unique approach to capturing the essence of success, bringing powerful, real-life stories of perseverance and passion to the screen. With appearances from top names such as Carmen Electra and more to be announced, the series promises to offer engaging, inspirational content for viewers.

Cummins’ Episode: Leading with Integrity and Resilience

In his upcoming episode, George Cummins will delve into the core values that have guided his entrepreneurial journey with Buck Bourbon. He emphasizes how significance in business leads to success, and he shares essential lessons on perseverance, ethical decision-making, and creating a meaningful work-life balance.

Surrounding yourself with the right people, continuous innovation, and the courage to seek help are fundamental to not only building a business but also navigating life’s challenges,” says Cummins. His episode will inspire viewers to apply these principles in both their professional and personal lives, showing how ethical choices and persistence contribute to long-term success.

The Broader Relevance of Cummins’ Principles

Beyond business, Cummins’ approach is rooted in a philosophy that champions resilience and integrity as foundational principles for achieving success in any field. His message encourages entrepreneurs to value perseverance, ethical leadership, and a balanced lifestyle as they build brands that resonate deeply with their audiences.

As George Cummins prepares to share his experiences on Legacy Makers TV, his episode promises to be a powerful lesson in navigating both business and life with integrity and purpose. His story exemplifies how challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth, making his insights invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Fambase: The Platform Revolutionizing Real-Time Learning for Instructors

Fambase: The Platform Revolutionizing Real-Time Learning for Instructors

marketing 13 May 2025

Teaching online has become the standard for many independent instructors, but most platforms are optimized for passive viewing rather than active learning. Whether it's a yoga instructor guiding a class on form or a home cook demonstrating a recipe, traditional platforms often fail to foster meaningful interaction. Fambase, a real-time interaction platform, has emerged as a solution, enabling instructors to create closed, responsive teaching spaces tailored for genuine learning not just content broadcasting.

Empowering Instructors with Real-Time Interaction

Fambase is designed to help instructors engage with real students in private, distraction-free environments. These closed group sessions allow for live, real-time interaction, making it easier for instructors to adjust their teaching on the spot and maintain ongoing engagement between sessions, all without the interference of algorithm-driven audiences.

Case Study: A Cooking Instructor’s Success Story

Take Nancy, a former church chef from Ohio who now teaches Chicken Pot Pie classes through Fambase. Prior to using the platform, Nancy faced challenges on public streaming platforms where her content was often overshadowed by irrelevant distractions.

I barely started stirring onions, and someone asked if I was wearing makeup,” she shared. “I wasn’t. I was sweating.”

This moment made it clear that Nancy wasn’t truly teaching but performing for an audience. With Fambase, the dynamic changed completely. Now, students RSVP in advance and join a closed group session where they can engage directly. This shift allows Nancy to observe her students' progress in real time. If a student’s crust collapses mid-bake, Nancy can enlarge the image on the screen and explain the issue with their actual pie, not a hypothetical one.

Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment

Fambase’s platform is designed to be intuitive for both instructors and students. Instructors can easily coach multiple students at once, with all hosts and co-hosts displayed in a shared layout. This eliminates the need for screen-switching and fosters a communal learning atmosphere. Additionally, students can upload short video clips into the chat, allowing instructors to offer precise feedback on real issues instead of interpreting vague text-based questions.

Follow-Up Engagement and Continuous Improvement

Fambase also facilitates ongoing engagement after each class. For example, after each session, Nancy runs a quick poll to check her students’ progress: “Did your pie work out?” If many students struggle, Nancy schedules a follow-up class, often drawing in more participants.

"When people know they'll get a second chance, they’re more willing to try the first time," Nancy said, highlighting the platform’s ability to foster a growth mindset and continual improvement.

Maintaining Focus with Time-Limited Interactions

Instructors can maintain clean, organized learning spaces with Fambase’s feature of automatically deleting all messages and media after 24 hours. This ensures that communication remains focused and prevents the need for constant moderation.

Fambase is transforming the way independent instructors teach by creating a platform designed for real-time, interactive learning. With its unique features that promote engagement, feedback, and follow-up, Fambase helps instructors build stronger connections with students while providing a focused, distraction-free environment for learning.

Vigan Veliu Consulting: Empowering SMEs and Coaches with Digital Branding & AI Funnels

Vigan Veliu Consulting: Empowering SMEs and Coaches with Digital Branding & AI Funnels

marketing 13 May 2025

Vigan Veliu Consulting & Marketing, a Berlin-based social media agency, is launching a powerful new initiative designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), self-employed individuals, and coaches establish a strong, sustainable digital brand presence. Combining a mix of branding, targeted content for social media, and AI-powered funnels, the agency’s approach is focused on organically enhancing reach, trust, and customer loyalty.

A Clear Goal for Digital Success

According to Vigan Veliu, the agency’s founder, “Many have a good offer, but no one hears about it. Our goal is to change that – with clarity, structure, and a system that works even without paid advertising.” With this philosophy in mind, the agency introduces a three-pillar model that blends effective digital strategies to ensure long-term success:

The Three-Pillar Model for Digital Growth

  1. Positioning & Branding
    The foundation of any successful business lies in how it presents itself to the market. Vigan Veliu Consulting & Marketing helps businesses discover what makes them unique and ensures their branding reflects that distinctiveness.

  2. Structured Content for LinkedIn & Instagram
    Creating content that not only engages but also drives real inquiries is key. The agency helps businesses craft structured, well-targeted content that resonates with their audience on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, ensuring effective lead generation.

  3. AI-Based Funnels & Automation
    Using AI-powered funnels and automation tools, the agency optimizes lead generation and nurtures sustainable customer loyalty. This approach allows businesses to automate their sales process without losing the personal touch.

Practical Results: Real-Life Success Stories

A real-world example highlights the effectiveness of this strategy. An interior designer from Cologne increased her reach on LinkedIn by over 20% and attracted multiple new clients within just a few weeks. This showcases how Vigan Veliu’s approach can yield significant results in a short period of time, even for businesses without large marketing budgets.

Comprehensive Services to Meet Business Needs

The agency’s services include:

  • Strategic consulting for LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms.

  • Creation of content plans and Canva templates to streamline content creation.

  • Development of GDPR-compliant funnels and email channels for secure and effective customer engagement.

  • Workshops and 1:1 coaching sessions to guide freelancers and small teams through the process of building a stronger online presence.

Vigan Veliu Consulting & Marketing is empowering SMEs, self-employed individuals, and coaches with the tools and strategies they need to build a meaningful digital presence without the need for paid advertising. By leveraging branding, social media content, and AI-driven funnels, businesses can unlock their full potential and build trust and loyalty with their audience.

Karen Walker Appointed as Public Relations Manager at George Magazine

Karen Walker Appointed as Public Relations Manager at George Magazine

marketing 13 May 2025

George Magazine is thrilled to announce the appointment of Karen Walker as its new Public Relations Manager. With her strong background in event coordination and customer relations, Karen is poised to elevate the magazine's outreach to both its business-to-business contacts and its international customer base.

Karen Walker’s Key Role and Impact

Dave Blaze, CEO of George Magazine, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: "Karen was instrumental in our sold-out George Magazine Live event last year. We had attendees from various parts of the country, and Karen was key in coordinating the event, making it a success."

The George Magazine Live 2024 event was held at Horner Hall at Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, and Walker’s organizational skills were critical in ensuring the smooth execution of the event. She coordinated volunteers, managed convention staff, and acted as the main point of contact for guests.

Expanding Responsibilities

In addition to continuing her coordination role for George Live 2025, Karen will now take on the added responsibility as Public Relations Manager for George Magazine.

Gene Ho, Editor-in-Chief, praised Karen's exceptional people skills: "Our readers talk about Karen all the time after meeting her at last year’s event. She’s truly a ‘people person’—someone who connects with everyone she meets, making her the perfect fit for this role."

Public Relations and Business Partnerships

In her new role, Karen will also be involved in managing the magazine’s business relationships. Since George Magazine is selective about its advertising partners, part of her duties will be to vet businesses that wish to collaborate with the publication, ensuring that their values align with those of the magazine.

Karen Walker’s transition to Public Relations Manager marks an exciting new chapter for George Magazine. With her strong interpersonal skills, organizational expertise, and dedication to customer relations, Karen is set to enhance the magazine’s brand visibility and business partnerships, making her a valuable asset to the team.

   

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