Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 6, 1999
A Penn State graduate, BARRY DRAKE's first major assignment in 1975 was
with WLYC/WILQ in Williamsport, PA where he was an on-air personality
and program manager. From 1977 until 1980, he worked in sales in
Philadelphia, both in local sales and with Christal Radio Sales, a
national representation firm. While at Christal, Mr. Drake was a Vice
President and stockholder. He participated in the equity buy-out from
Cox Enterprises and the sale of the firm to Katz Radio. Mr. Drake joined
Keymarket in 1984 to launch the company's FM station in Baton Rouge. In
1986 he was promoted to Vice President of Keymarket, responsible for the
group's properties in Houston, St. Louis and Detroit. Mr. Drake, a 26-
year radio veteran, was named President of Keymarket in the fall of 1988
when the group owned five stations in four cities. With 1989 being a big
year of acquisition, the company, led by Mr. Drake, had grown to 19
stations in eight cities. In 1995, the Keymarket Radio group merged with
River City Television and in 1996 River City merged with Sinclair
Broadcast Group to become the 7th largest broadcaster in America with
Mr. Drake as COO of its radio division. The SBG Radio Division is now
comprised of 51 radio stations located in Buffalo, St. Louis, Kansas
City, Memphis, Greenville/Spartansburg, New Orleans, Milwaukee,
Greensboro-Highpoint, Norfolk, and Wilkes-Barre and is the 9th largest
radio group in the United States. In December of 1998 he was elevated to
CEO of the radio division and in June of 1999 appointed CEO of
Sinclair's television division as well. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.,
is a diversified broadcasting company that currently owns or programs 58
television and 52 radio stations. Upon completion of all pending
transactions, Sinclair will own or program 59 television stations in 38
separate markets and six radio stations in one market. Sinclair's
television group will reach approximately 24.4% of U.S. television
households and includes ABC,CBS, FOX, NBC, WB, and UPN affiliates. Mr.
Drake is married with two children. Profile
Sinclair Broadcast Group? Then tell us what you see as your business and
company today.
Mr. Drake: The company was started by
