Greater Media’s Tom Bender has announced his pending retirement at the end of the month. In July, Director of Digital Operations Steve Meyers will take over strategic management of the company’s digital efforts, while Digital Marketing Director Jennifer Williams will lead the Detroit Content Factory.
“Tom has been a great friend who has played a major role in the success of our Detroit market as well as the overall company,” said Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth. “We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of his radio legacy. We wish Tom the very best in his retirement.”
Bender was named to his current role, senior vice president and general manager of Greater Media Interactive, in 2007. He previously served as regional general manager of Greater Media’s Detroit-based operations from 1986–2007, when he launched WCSX(FM), one of the first classic rock–formatted radio stations. In that capacity, Bender also became the first U.S. market manager to launch the HD Digital Radio initiative with RIFF2 in August 2005.
He was inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in July 2007.
Throughout his three-decade career, Bender also served on a variety of industry committees, including Arbitron Advisory Council, the National Association of Broadcasters’ COLRAM committee and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Radio Issues Committee.
“I am grateful to Peter Smyth for allowing me to lead our digital initiative for the past six years as we worked to conquer the digital challenges to radio,” said Bender. “He has been a friend as well as a great boss. I was privileged to work in my hometown with a wonderful group of people who created WCSX(FM) and built upon the 45-year heritage of WRIF, where I began my career. Greater Media is an extraordinary company and I thank them for a creative and innovative culture in which to work. Now it’s time for a new chapter in my life!”
Greater Media, Inc. is the parent company of 21 AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey and Philadelphia markets.
