The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group will award the seventh annual MIW Radio Group Trailblazer Award to Cox Media Group’s Executive Vice President of National Ad Platforms and President of Cox Reps Kim Guthrie.
The award will be presented Oct. 2 at the 2015 Radio Show Atlanta at the “Music & Mimosas” event.
“Kim Guthrie is an accomplished broadcaster who ‘trailblazes’ in all aspects of her professional life,” said MIW Radio Group Spokesperson Kay Olin. “Kim has been a passionate and enthusiastic ambassador for radio throughout her career, and she has set a tremendous example for all women in broadcasting through her bold decision-making and inspiring leadership. Kim is intelligent, caring, approachable and the natural choice to be honored as our 2015 Trailblazer.”
The MIW Radio Group Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and success in the industry, creates opportunities for other women in radio, according to the MIW Group. In 2012, it was renamed the “Frances Preston Trailblazer Award” in honor of the longtime president and CEO of BMI and MIW Group member.
“I’m truly humbled and touched to receive this incredible honor,” said Guthrie. “What a compliment to be in the same company as the beloved Frances Preston, who truly was one of the first real female trailblazers in music and media — known not just for being a woman but for being a great leader in the industry and an even better human being. May we all uphold those same standards as we continue to pave the way for future generations of women in media.”
Guthrie is a 32-year broadcast veteran with experience and accomplishments in both TV and radio. Prior to her June 2015 promotion to executive vice president of National Ad Platforms and president of Cox Reps, she served as EVP of radio, responsible for programming, operations and sales for CMG’s 59 radio stations in 11 markets, and the stations under her leadership won multiple honors for programming excellence and outstanding community service.
She was elected to the National Association of Broadcasters board in 2014 and has served on the executive board for the RAB and the board of the New York Association of Radio Stations. She also has an interest in encouraging young broadcast professionals and designed Cox Media Group’s “Virtual Mentorship Program,” which enables mentees to connect online with colleagues offering to serve as mentors in specific areas of expertise. She also teaches college broadcast communications courses.
The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group consists of female radio professionals, from across the country, who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in the industry develop strong management and leadership skills. The group is also committed to advocating the advancement of women to senior positions in radio broadcasting.