David Ross (media executive)

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David Ross (born in 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio) Ross graduated from Kent State University in 1972 with a degree in communications and photography.

Ross entered the radio broadcasting business in 1973 as an advertising sales executive. Over the next three years he became Local sales manager, National sales manager and General Sales manager for WIXY-AM, WDOK-FM, and other Globetrotter Communications properties. From 1976-1994 Ross served as an operating officer, 1st as a General Manager, then Executive Vice President of Metroplex Communications- A “partner” in one of the early radio multi-station operators and consolidators. Metroplex purchased, owned, and operated some 14 radio stations. During this 18 year period Ross built and operated Y-100 in Miami, a Top 40 radio station Metroplex which was sold to Clear Channel Communications Inc. for $58M in 1994[1][2][3].

From 1994 to March of 2006 Ross served as an officer in the public company known as Clear Channel Worldwide[4][5][6][7]. Ross helped ramp up this company from 18 radio stations to 1200 at the peak of consolidation. Once one of the top 5 officers in the company, Ross helped management consolidate working on acquisitions including Paxon Communications (96 stations) and Fairbanks (7) radio stations. Ross served as a Regional Vice President, running an operating division of 28 radio properties on behalf of Clear Channel. Experience inside Clear Channel included responsibility for creating synergy between Clear Channel entities including Entertainment and Outdoor. Ross had approximately 500 employees in his division, and consistently operated his $90 million dollar grossing region with an EBIDA margin of 50% or better.

From March 2006 to August 2007 David Ross was uVuMobile Inc-OTCBB. President and Interim CEO[8]. The company was a start-up holding 1st in class technology for delivery of IP content via video. The company created and delivered rich media to mobile handsets.

[edit] Accomplishments

Ross served as the President of the South Florida Broadcasters Association, as well as being credited with pioneering early computer technology and use of extensive “research” products for radio brand building, Ross is credited with being one of the early “brand mangers” in America. His consulting company introduced principles Richard Weening and Lewis Dickey, current Chairman of Cumulus Media Inc. (operators of 265 medium and small market radio stations) to each other. Ross’ introduction and early consultation helped create Cumulus. Ross received equity compensation for his finders fee. The company last year completed a $1.1 Billion dollar purchase of Susquehanna Communications.

Stratford Research, a well respected research company has name Ross as “the original” Brand Manager in radio. The Urban League of Broward County named Ross as its 2004 Diversity Champion, an honor also held previously by notables such as the CEO of Office Depot and South East Toyota CEO. Ross was given the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the South Florida Broadcasters Association in 2003. Ross has served on some 12 different charitable boards for a number of years, and has been credited with raising millions of dollars for charitable concerns. Ross and his wife Valerie currently host an annual event for Drug Rehabilitation that raises in excess of $300,000 annually.

[edit] Personal Life

David Ross has engaged in competitive free-fall sky diving, gathering up national and world championship titles. In addition, he spent two years as a National Off-Shore Racing team owner and driver, again winning 4 national events and finishing 3rd in the World Championships.

[edit] References