The National Association of Broadcasters announced that Kevin Gage, a 20-year veteran with experience developing digital platforms in television and music, has been selected as the new executive vice president and chief technology officer for the association.
Gage, 49, will lead NAB's technology efforts, including oversight of the staff that represents NAB on a variety of standard-setting organizations, and which serves as the liaison to the engineering and technology community. The selection of Gage to the newly created position comes after a four-month search by Russell Reynolds Associates, and demonstrates NAB's commitment to fostering new business models using digital radio and television spectrum.
Gage's career includes stints at Warner Bros. Studios, where he helped develop the DVD Specification and production facilities at the film studio. While at Warner Bros., Gage helped launch The WB Network, and was a founding member of the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum, a cross-industry initiative that developed standards for interactive TV. Gage later became head technologist at Warner Music Group, where he oversaw creation of new digital platforms and standards for products that included iTunes. While at NBC Universal, Gage was responsible for developing online TV strategies.
"We are delighted to have Kevin joining NAB as our new chief technology officer," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "NAB cast a wide net in our CTO search, and we're convinced that Kevin's experience in bringing game-changing digital technologies to market will serve all broadcasters very well."
Gage said NAB's "legacy of advocacy and leadership is unparalleled in the trade association world."
"I firmly believe advances in technology will help local broadcasters re-invent their business model and help create new revenue streams and new ways to better serve listeners and viewers," he said. "I'm particularly interested in joining a talented technology team at NAB that is well-regarded throughout the business."
Gage is the author of two patents on distributing multimedia programs. He previously was a member of the DVD Forum Technical Board and Steering Committee and served on the board of directors of the Recording Industry Association of America and the Mobile Entertainment Forum. Gage is a 1984 graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in science.
