Washington, DC - Dennis Wharton, senior vice president, corporate communications, has been promoted to executive vice president, media relations, NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr announced today.
Wharton joined NAB in June 1996 as vice president of media relations, serving as the chief spokesman for the association. In 1997, he was promoted to senior vice president, continuing his role as primary spokesman while supervising NAB's news media outreach on public policy initiatives as well as the association's conventions, which have drawn over 1,000 registered reporters in recent years.
"For more than a decade, Dennis has served broadcasters and the NAB with distinction as our organization's principal spokesman," Rehr said. "This promotion is in recognition of his dedication to NAB and the respect he garners from his public relations peers and former colleagues in the journalism profession."
In his new position, Wharton's duties will be expanded to include additional outreach and public policy advocacy to the national news media on behalf of broadcasters. He will continue to serve as a key strategic adviser to Rehr, NAB senior staff and to NAB member stations.
Wharton joined NAB following a 16-year stint in journalism. He began his career as a reporter and bureau chief for The Times Leader in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He later reported for the Columbus, Ohio bureau of The Associated Press. In 1983, Wharton became a Washington reporter for Variety and Daily Variety covering legislative and regulatory issues related to broadcasting, cable and the Hollywood studios. After a two-year stint as managing editor for Financial Product News, a monthly magazine for investment advisors, Wharton returned to Variety and Daily Variety, this time as Washington bureau chief, where he remained until joining NAB.
A native of Hillsboro, Ohio, Wharton received his BA in journalism from Ohio State University.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that advocates on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and
television stations and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the Courts. Information about NAB can be found at
www.nab.org.
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