The LAB strives to achieve our mission through the combined support, input and leadership of our Louisiana broadcaster members.
Lisa Janes
Chairman
Townsquare Media-Shreveport
6341 W. Port Ave.
Shreveport LA 71129
Lisa Janes, hometown Shreveport-Bossier City girl, began her career in the radio field in 1993 after four years as a classroom teacher in Bossier Parish.
She began her media career as an outside seller for stand-alone KRMD AM/FM. Since then has worn many hats from: General Sales Manager to the Director of Sales while working in the AM/FM and Capstar/Gulfstar ownership period.
1999 brought Clear Channel ownership, followed by GAP Broadcasting ownership and then an exciting 2 year stint as the GAP Central National Sales Manager. 2010 brought about the most challenging opportunity in Lisa’s career, General Manager for Townsquare Media: 6-station cluster in the Shreveport/Bossier City market, including 6 online radio sites and 6 highly engaged station websites. The stations are: Kiss Country 93.7 FM, K 94.5 FM, 96.5 KVKI FM, 99X The Rock Station, News Radio 710 KEEL AM and AM 1130 The Tiger.
Lisa Janes and the Townsquare Media Shreveport/Bossier City crew are involved in multiple facets in the marketplace including: Mudbug Madness, The Robinson Film Center, Philadelphia Center, American Cancer Society, Louisiana Blood Bank, Give for Good, Susan Komen Friday in Pink, Bossier Sheriff’s In God We Trust Campaign, Hunters for the Hungry, Battle on the Border, Sleep Out 4 Independence and many, many more. Kiss Country is the proud recipient of 2014’s Large Market Station of the Year Prestige Award and 96.5 KVKI FM is also honored with the Best Website Prestige Award for 2014.
An LSU graduate, Lisa Janes is an avid college sports fan and cheers the Tigers on year-round.
Randy Stone
Chairman Elect
KARD-TV/KTVE-TV
200 Pavillion Road
West Monroe, LA 71292
Randy is a native of Northern Alabama, working at local radio stations through High School. He received his B.A. and M.A from The University of Alabama while serving as President of Alpha Epsilon Rho Honorary.
After graduation, Randy worked in Radio Station sales and then Sales Management positions in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. He has worked in Television Sales Management in Huntsville and Mobile Alabama, Quad Cities and Springfield/Champaign, Illinois, and then as General Manager in Colorado and Louisiana.
Randy currently serves on the boards of the Monroe Chamber, United Way of North Louisiana, and the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.
Joe Sciortino
Television Vice Chairman
WAFB-TV
844 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Joe Sciortino is the Vice President & General Manager of WAFB-TV Channel 9.
Joe is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans and has pursued a steady career in broadcasting. He started at WWL- TV/CBS in New Orleans and in his 19 year stay there worked his way up from studio assistant to Production Manager. From there, Joe moved into Sales and began his career with Raycom Media in 2006, working for 5 years at WAFB-TV/CBS, the powerhouse station in Baton Rouge, LA. From there Joe served as Sales Manager with KAIT-TV/ABC in Jonesboro, AR. He was named VP-General Manager of WDAM/ABC/NBC in Hattiesburg, MS in August of 2013 where he oversaw the complete renovation of their facility.
He joined the KSLA team in Shreveport in April of 2016. Joe and his wife, Suzette, are excited to be moving back to Baton Rouge and to rejoin the WAFB family as VP/General Manager.
Brian Shirey
Radio Vice Chairman
Northshore Broadcasting
200 E. Thomas St.
Hammond LA 70401
Brian Shirey is the General Manager for Northshore Broadcasting where he manages the operation and sales team of 12 radio stations in Louisiana and Mississippi.
A graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, he spent 22 years in the beer industry prior to 2012. He is immediate past chairman of the Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce; serves on board of directors for The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, Hammond BBQ Inc (Hammond’s annual BBQ competition), Holy Ghost Catholic School, the Tangipahoa Sewer District and is a member of City Club of Hammond.
Brian is married to Toni Brown Shirey and they have 2 children.
Chuck Wood
Secretary/Treasurer
Delta Media Corporation
3501 BW Evangeline Thruway
Carencro, LA 70520
Since 2012, Chuck Wood has served as VP and General Manager of Delta Media, overseeing the operations and profitability of nine radio stations and four television stations in the Louisiana markets of Lafayette and Alexandria.
A native of Michigan, his career began as an intern at WWWW-FM in Detroit, with his first paid position as a PMD announcer/AE at WATT-AM in Cadillac, MI. For over 40 years, Chuck has worked in nearly every capacity of the industry in Texas, Wyoming, Mississippi, North Carolina, Washington, DC, Maryland and Louisiana.
He moved to Lafayette, LA in December of 1990 to manage KSMB-FM for a supposed five year stint and never left. Chuck is an active member of the Lafayette Community having served on numerous boards and involved in many local events.
He and his wife Janet have a daughter, Baylea who lives in Dallas, TX and son John Michael who lives in New York, NY. His hobbies include vinyl record collecting, golf and classic cars … and of course, electronic broadcasting.
Charlie Soprano
Immediate Past Chairman
Cenla Broadcasting
1115 Texas Ave.
Alexandria, LA 71301
Charlie is the founder and co-owner of Cenla Broadcasting since 1975. Charlie entered the business with KQID and KSYL. In 2006, Cenla Broadcasting completed the acquisition of Clear Channel’s Central Louisiana market to a now combined portfolio of six radio stations, three of which, have 100,000 watt capability.
Charlie currently sits on the Louisiana State Board of Commerce and Industry, and is also the Vice President of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.
Over his career, he has given his time to a multitude of boards, locally and abroad including: The Manna House, The City of Alexandria Board of Adjustment and Appeals, Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee, Historic Preservation District Commission, St. Francis Cabrini Hospital, and others.
John Cruse
Director
WGNO – TV
1 Galleria Blvd., Ste 850
Metairie, LA 70001
John started his career at KHOM-FM radio in New Orleans in January 1993 after graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in Communications. He was promoted to Local Sales Manager in January 1997 and soon was working in sales management for Clear Channel Communications who purchased KHOM and added KKND-FM to his responsibilities.
In November 2001 the Beasley New Orleans radio stations were sold and John returned to WGNO-TV where he became Local Sales Manager. Immediately following Hurricane Katrina John was promoted to General Sales Manager of WGNO and WNOL-TV.
In May 2010 John was promoted to Vice President/General Manager of WGNO/WNOL-TV, a position he currently holds. As a lifelong resident of South Louisiana, he has helped orchestrate a more localized feel to both stations via WGNO’s “God Bless Louisiana” campaign, the hyper local “News with a Twist” alternative news program and WNOL-Nola38’s “Only in New Orleans” image campaign.
John served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1987 to 1993 and achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 after two and a half years. He worked offshore in the Louisiana oil industry during his college summer and holiday breaks to compliment the GI bill.
A graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School and a member of the Knights of Columbus, John has been married to his wife Melissa since June 1996 and they have two daughters Jordan and Presley.
J’Michael Francois
Director
Cumulus Media
631 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
225-926-1106
J’Michael Francois is “many things” and in a good way. In his role as Operations Manager for Cumulus Media Baton Rouge, J’Michael currently runs the programming and operations of four (4) stations – Urban (WEMX-FM), Urban AC (KQXL-FM), Classic Hits (WRQQ-FM) and Gospel (WXOK-AM). He has also expanded his regional footprint as the Program Director for New Orleans’ Adult Urban Station (KMEZ-FM).
J’Michael’s impressive achievements in radio can be attributed to his unique collaborative approach to music and programming. He believes that “you’ve got to let other people inspire you and keep up with what they love,” says Francois.
Prior to joining Cumulus Media Baton Rouge in 2006, J’Michael was Program Director and an On-Air Personality for Pittman Broadcasting Services in Lafayette, LA. While at Cumulus, Francois perfected his radio business acumen while still creatively engaging listeners as on-air talent.
Before moving to Lafayette, J’Michael was a popular On-Air Personality for Citadel Communications (now Cumulus Media) from 2003 to 2005, and before that he honed his chops at Clear Channel Communications.
When he’s not on the air or programming the hottest stations in Baton Rouge, you’ll likely find the Dillard University grad cooking, playing tennis, or traveling. He may even be taking on a building project just for fun – “It’s like therapy for me.” He’s also known to always be searching for ways to help others through his many community service programs and partnerships.
Tori Kahl
Director
iHeartMedia
142 Acadian Lane
Mandeville, LA 70471
Born and raised in Carencro, a small town in Southern Louisiana, Tori was always an outspoken, strong-willed and motivated individual.
Immediately after graduating college, Tori made the decision to relocate to Pensacola Florida… because, why not live at the beach?! Little did she know, her move would trigger the beginning of her career in Radio. She was hired by a small independently owned radio group in Pensacola as an Account Executive. Within 2 years, Tori had climbed the ranks and was consistently the top monthly revenue producer. Her move to iHeartMedia (Clear Channel at the time), was driven by the desire for increased opportunity. There she has grown through the ranks at iHeartMedia – Beginning as an Account Executive, then as General Sales Manager, followed by Senior Vice President of Sales for the Pensacola/Mobile cluster. When she was afforded the opportunity to return to her home state and lead iHeartMedia’s New Orleans Cluster, as Market President, it felt right.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry, representing the power of iHeartMedia and the heritage of our brands in the market. The city of New Orleans, its culture, and its people, are un-paralleled. Born and raised in Louisiana – It feels good to be home!”
Tori now serves as Area President for iHeart Louisiana overseeing operations in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
She resides in Mandeville with her husband and two children and is loving life in The Big Easy!
Jake Manship
Director
WBRZ-TV
1650 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Jake Manship joined the WBRZ team in 2013. As an owner, he works directly with the general manager and various station departments to facilitate projects and advance the station’s goals. He is also active on multiple boards, including the Manship School Board of Visitors, YMCA and Pat’s Coats for Kids.
Jake is a Baton Rouge native, receiving his associate degree in business administration from Baton Rouge Community College before working at The Advocate for seven years. While there, he worked in various departments, including production, human resources and sales among others. As to why he chose a career in television, Jake saw a great opportunity to move to WBRZ and learn the broadcast side of business after his family sold The Advocate.
Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife, Meredith, playing outside with his sons Carter and Charlie, and keeping up with LSU sports.
Gordy Rush
Director
Guaranty Media
929 Government St
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Over thirty-two years since his last collegiate game, LSU football fans still know Gordy Rush as an intense, hard-hitting special teams player for the Tigers from 1988-1990. The New Orleans native brings that same fire as the Vice-President/General Manager of Guaranty Media which includes Eagle 98.1, the Flagship Radio Station for LSU Sports. This fall will mark his twenty-fifth season covering LSU football as the Sideline Reporter for the LSU Sports Radio Network and host of LSU Gameday Live on Cox Sports Television.
Rush has collected several prestigious awards including the 2013 Louisiana Association of Broadcasters’ “Broadcaster of the Year” given to the state’s top broadcast executive and the 2009 “Golden Mike Award” for the state’s top on-air talent. He became the first person to win both awards and the youngest person to win the “Broadcaster of the Year” at the age of 44. Rush has also been recognized on Radio Ink’s Top Managers in Radio in the United States on five occasions – (2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020).
Rush, a 1991 graduate of LSU’s E.J. Ourso’s School of Business, originally attended Purdue University on a football scholarship. After playing a year with the Boilermakers as the backup cornerback to future All-Pro defensive back Rod Woodson, Rush transferred to LSU in 1987. The three-year Tiger letterman was a part of The Sporting News Magazine’s “Best Special Teams Unit” of 1988 and was named LSU’s 1990 Special Teams Player of the Year.
A graduate of Jesuit High School in New Orleans, he is the son of the Beth and the late Gordon Rush II of Gretna, La. and has one sister, Lynn. Rush is married to former LSU All-American softball pitcher Ashley Lewis and have three children – Gordon (“G”) L. Rush IV, Jax Michael, and Jordyn Jean. The couple currently resides in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.
George Sirven
Director
KTBS/KPXJ-TV
312 E. Thomas St.
Shreveport, LA 71134
George Sirven serves as Station Manager of KTBS-TV and KPXJ-CW21 , a position he has held for 20+ years. His primary job involves day-to-day management and operation of KTBS-TV, KPXJ-CW21 and its affiliated properties, but his true passion is establishing lasting relationships with the business community. He was instrumental in implementing one of the first television management agreements with the former Paxson television network.
Sirven also created two new startup companies under the KTBS umbrella, LifeWise Cable Media and Medical Media. Established in the 90’s, LifeWise Cable Media was a pioneer company establishing a business relationship between cable and broadcast.
George is married to Cheryl Frances Sirven. They have two children: Natalie and William.
Sean Trcalek
Director
KATC-TV
1500 Eraste Landry Road
Lafayette, LA 70506
Sean Trcalek is Vice President and General Manager of ABC affiliated KATC in Lafayette, formerly with KADN/KLAF/MyNetwork Acadiana. He’s a native of Abbeville and a 1988 graduate of UL-Lafayette.
He began his media career as an Announcer in 1982 at KMDL in Kaplan, and subsequently worked as an announcer, sportscaster and News Director at KROF in Abbeville and KXKW in Lafayette. He began his television career at KATC in 1989 as a Salesperson. He has served as National Sales Manager at KATC, Director of Sales at KTVE-NBC in Monroe, Louisiana, VP/Sales Manager at WVLT-CBS in Knoxville, Tennessee, National Spot Sales Manager for Warner Brothers’ 100+ Station Group in Burbank, California, and as Director of Sales for KADN/KLAF. His media career also includes positions as Press Secretary for Cain for Congress, Director of Development for Delta Media in Carencro, and Regional Sales Manager for Viamedia – a cable ad sales company serving LUS Fiber in Lafayette and Eatel in Baton Rouge. He’s also a professional musician, performing as a guitarist/singer.
His civic involvement has included serving as a Rotarian, Past President of Lafayette’s Breakfast Sertoma Club, and as a Loaned Executive for United Way in Knoxville and in Lafayette. He currently serves on the boards for United Way of Acadiana, Acadiana Open Channel, United Blood Services of Acadiana, and Junior League of Lafayette.
Maniko Barthelemy
Associate Director
U L Lafayette
224 Hebrard Blvd, Room 103
Lafayette, LA 70501
Maniko Barthelemy is an instructor at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. She teaches several television production courses. In addition to her duties as an instructor, Maniko sponsors numerous university media clubs and serves on the Acadiana Open Channel’s board of directors. She routinely collaborates with Lafayette area non-profits and high schools to organize community service projects that bring high school and college students together.
Maniko has a master’s degree in Producing for Film and Video, from American University, a bachelor’s degree in Journalism (University of Maryland) and an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice (Northern Virginia Community College). She is a member of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, Women in Film & Television (Louisiana), and the former vice president of Louisiana Produces.
Tod Smith
Director
WWL-TV
1024 North Rampart Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
A native of New Orleans and graduate of Loyola University, New Orleans, Tod Smith assumed his current position as President and General Manager of WWL-TV, Inc. in July 2012. Prior to his current role, Smith served as President and General Manager of WVEC-TV, Inc. in Norfolk, VA and President and General Manager of KMSB-TV/KTTU-TV, Inc. in Tucson AZ.
Prior to Tucson, Smith as vice president and media director for Peter A. Mayer Advertising, a full-service advertising agency and from 1999-2005, he served as local sales manager for WWL-TV.
Smith started his broadcasting career in 1980 with WWL-TV, then owned by Loyola University, as a production assistant and was promoted to engineer in 1982 while working towards his college degree. Upon completing his degree, Smith joined Shell Oil Company and served in a variety of professional and supervisory positions including assignments in Houston, Texas; Wood River, Illinois, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Smith holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from Loyola University of New Orleans and is a graduate of the Management Development Seminar for Television Executives at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the Medill School of Journalism. Awards and recognitions include 2012 New Orleans Magazine People to Watch, 2013 Multicultural Leadership Award from the Louisiana Diversity Council and the 1027 Children’s Hero Award from the Children’s Bureau of New Orleans.
He and his wife Kenya, also of New Orleans, are the proud parents of one son, Elijah.
Randall Mann
Associate Director
Acadian Companies
2916 N. Univ. Ave, Bldg. G
Lafayette, LA 70507
C. Randall Mann is a native of Lafayette but grew up around the world as the son of a career Air Force officer. Upon returning to Louisiana, he attended and graduated from Lafayette High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette) in 1985. His 35-year marketing career has included positions with advertising agencies, quick serve restaurants, packaged goods and automotive. Randall joined Acadian Companies (Acadian Ambulance) in 2009 and serves as the vice president of marketing and public relations.
Randall has served on the boards of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, the Acadiana Arts Council, the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, the Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Louisiana of Broadcasters. As a volunteer with Louisiana Honor Air, he participated in 11 trips to bring WWII veterans to Washington, D.C. A private pilot, he also volunteered with the Sertoma Air Show and the Acadiana Air Show. He is currently a volunteer pilot for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office as Reserve Deputy Sheriff.
Charles Spencer
Legal Counsel
Phelps Dunbar LLP
701 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge LA 70802
Charles Spencer has practiced law in Baton Rouge for nearly four decades. He is Senior Partner of Hebert, Spencer & Fry, L.L.P and has been General Counsel for LAB continuously since 1985.
He served in Office of the General Counsel of the FCC for 4 years where he received a Special Achievement Award for authoring the Report of the FCC to the Congress of the U.S.
A native of Farmerville, Union Parish, Spencer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University, where he was a Liberty Bowl Championship Tulane Football Team Member, and a member of the Tulane University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Spencer and his wife, Nikki Spencer, LSU professor (ret’d) are the parents of four children: Jeremy, and triplets Matthew, Luke and James.
Polly Prince Johnson
President/CEO
Polly joined the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in January 2010, when her predecessor retired in February of 2013 she was promoted to President/CEO. Prior to 2010 Polly was in the hospitality industry for 28 years.
Ms. Johnson is the past President of both the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations and the Louisiana Society of Association Executives. She also serves on the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education and the Louisiana Legislators Task Force for Public Records Law.
Polly and her husband David live in Baton Rouge and they have two sons who also reside in Baton Rouge.
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