Award honors outstanding leadership in broadcast radio
On National Radio Day, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) proudly announces that David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group, will be honored with the 2024 National Radio Award. Santrella, who chaired the NAB Joint Board of Directors from June 2021 to June 2023, will receive this prestigious accolade during the Marconi Radio Awards at the 2024 NAB Show New York.
“NAB is extremely pleased to recognize Dave for his exceptional contributions to the radio industry,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “On National Radio Day, it’s especially fitting to recognize a leader whose belief in radio’s unique ability to serve the public is second to none. Dave’s public service ethos, along with a keen business acumen and authentic leadership style have strengthened the entire radio ecosystem, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
Dave Santrella has been a pivotal figure in the radio industry for nearly 40 years. Since becoming CEO of Salem Media Group in January 2022, he has led the company through significant growth, particularly in its digital platforms. Under his leadership, Salem has launched the successful Salem Surround, Salem Podcast Network, SalemNOW and Salem News Channel, establishing the company as a leader across 30 markets.
Santrella’s career began in Chicago, where he worked with NBC’s WMAQ and CBS’s WBBM before joining Salem in 2001. He quickly ascended through the ranks, taking on roles of increasing responsibility, including operations vice president, president of Salem’s Radio division, and eventually president of Broadcast Media. Beyond Salem, Santrella has been an influential voice within the industry, serving as NAB Joint Board Chair and on the board of the NAB Leadership Foundation, among other roles. He has been recognized in Radio Ink’s “The 40 Most Powerful People in Radio” for the past four consecutive years.
Santrella will be honored on October 9, 2024, at NAB’s Marconi Radio Awards, radio’s biggest night, where the industry comes together to celebrate excellence and recognize outstanding stations and individuals.
Registration is open for NAB Show New York attendees and members of the media.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.
About NAB Show New York
NAB Show New York is the premier East Coast event and marketplace for the broadcast, media and entertainment industry, held in the media capital of the world, October 9-10 at the Javits Center. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters and co-located with the AES Show 2024 NY, this intimate gathering connects roughly 12,000 content creators, tech innovators and business strategists with the latest tools, trends and technology. This event features cutting-edge solutions for content creation, distribution and monetization, alongside purposeful networking opportunities and insights from industry leaders, fostering an environment where ideas are born and partnerships thrive. For more information, visit NABShowNY.com.
