In recognition of his leadership and dedication to the radio industry, David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group, was awarded the esteemed 2024 National Radio Award by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). This award was presented to Santrella on October 9 during the Marconi Radio Awards ceremony at the NAB Show in New York.
NRB president & CEO Troy A. Miller was in attendance at the award presentation.
“I congratulate Dave on this well-earned recognition,” said Miller. “His commitment to serving the public through the powerful medium of radio has been instrumental in strengthening the voice of faith-based broadcasting and reaching millions with messages of hope and inspiration.”
“Many of you in this room know Dave and the remarkable impact he’s had on radio for nearly 40 years,” said Curtis LeGeyt, president & CEO of the NAB, at the ceremony. “He’s truly helped to shape broadcast as we know it. … Dave’s outstanding leadership and strategic insight have been instrumental in strengthening the entire radio ecosystem.”
The National Radio Award is selected by the NAB Radio Executive Committee and annually recognizes an exceptional leader in the radio industry.
“To the degree that what we do at Salem and my service at the NAB allows me to check that box of letting my light shine and doing good deeds,” Santrella said upon receiving the award, “then my last hope is that I carry myself in such a way, and that I speak in such a way, that all the glory and the honor points in the direction that it truly belongs, which is to my Father in heaven. Thank you very much for this honor.”
Santrella’s career in radio spans nearly four decades. Since taking the helm as CEO of Salem Media Group in 2022, he has spearheaded significant growth, particularly in the realm of digital platforms. Under his visionary leadership, Salem has witnessed the successful launch of platforms like Salem Surround, Salem Podcast Network, SalemNOW, and Salem News Channel, solidifying the company’s position as a leader across 30 markets.
Prior to his role at Salem, Santrella held prominent positions at NBC’s WMAQ and CBS’s WBBM in Chicago. He is a well-respected leader throughout the broadcasting industry, serving as NAB Joint Board Chair and on the board of the NAB Leadership Foundation. Santrella’s clout has consistently earned him a place on Radio Ink’s “The 40 Most Powerful People in Radio” for the past four years.
Salem Media Group, an NRB member since 1977, has long maintained a prestigious profile in the industry. Santrella serves on NRB’s board of directors and executive committee and is a member of the President’s Council.