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By: Phil Argyris, CEO, GatesAir, Mason, OH
St. Patrick's Day has varied meanings for many people, but those who celebrate the day all share its festive spirit. Here at GatesAir, the lone March holiday brings a second reason to celebrate: The one-year anniversary of our company's formation.
by Stacey Stith
I am pleased to inform you that today we completed the acquisition of Imagine Communications, a California-based company specializing in digital video solutions for online providers and TV Everywhere applications. While this acquisition serves to strengthen our end-to-end solutions portfolio, I am more energized by the possibilities it opens for collaboration with our customers as the industry navigates the new multiscreen world.
Harris Broadcast today appointed Steve Reynolds as Chief Technology Officer and Skip Sorenson as Chief Financial Officer. Both will report to Charlie Vogt, CEO of Harris Broadcast, with Mr. Reynolds leading product management and research & development, and Mr. Sorenson responsible for finance and IT.
"After an intense 100 days since joining Harris Broadcast, we have built a management team that is laser-focused on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, customers and partners," said Mr. Vogt. "Steve and Skip join an outstanding team that shares a clear vision to lead the market in technology innovation and fuel a customer-first culture. Steve's software and IP pedigree, most recently at Comcast, bring a cutting-edge customer perspective that is ideal for guiding our product direction, while Skip's financial acumen spanning public and private companies aligns with our long-term goals and objectives."
Harris Broadcast and Broadcast Partners have completed the Netherlands' transition to all digital radio. The organizations deployed the nationwide digital audio broadcasting plus (DAB+) solution in a record three months, which included more than 30 Harris Broadcast Maxiva VAX transmitters with web enabled IP-based control and monitoring from the head-end to the transmission stage.
With the government mandate to move to complete national digital radio coverage by 2017, commercial broadcasters saw business advantages in accelerating their program, appointing Broadcast Partners to design, build and run the digital network. Working with Harris Broadcast, the broadcasters were able to meet their targeted date to have the complete network up and running.
I have spent my first 100 days immersed in the business and focused on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, customers and partners. Together with our new management team, I have engaged our product, engineering, services, sales and marketing teams with a keen eye on industry trends, product requirements, quality, customer satisfaction, professional services and new business models designed to better align Harris Broadcast with our customers and business partners.
On Monday, Oct. 28th, we launched our new website — www.harrisbroadcast.com. The new site has been designed to deliver simplicity, easier navigation and focus — from industry-leading end-to-end solutions to educational resources and videos.
Harris Broadcast today appointed Charlie Vogt as CEO of the organization. The 25-year information technology and communications leader joins Harris Broadcast following nine years as President and CEO of GENBAND where he led a company transformation that encompassed six acquisitions, including Tekelec SSG, NextPoint Networks and Nortel's VoIP Business.
Through successful organic innovation, attention to operational integration and relentless focus on customers, GENBAND became no. 1 in VoIP and delivered a compound annual growth rate of ~100 percent during his tenure.
Harris Broadcast's longtime Northeast Regional Radio Sales Manager Brian Szewczyk was presented an award on June 19 from Chapter 14 of the Society of Broadcast Engineers as appreciation for outstanding dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty to the region's broadcast stations.
Congratulations, Brian, from all your colleagues at Harris Broadcast.
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has completed the previously announced sale of its Broadcast Communications business to an affiliate of The Gores Group, LLC for $225 million. The price includes $160 million in cash, a $15 million subordinated promissory note and an earnout of up to $50 million based on future performance. The purchase price is subject to customary adjustments.
"This is an exciting new chapter for Harris Broadcast, our employees and our customers," said Harris Morris, CEO of Harris Broadcast. "The Gores Group is an ideal fit to help us move the business forward and help drive innovation, streamline operations and improve customer service. They will also provide us additional resources such as a flexible capital base and introduce new talent to the Company."
