WKSU NAMES MARCUS THOMAS LLC UNDERWRITER OF THE YEAR
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS FIRM RECOGNIZED FOR ONGOING SUPPORT
Tuesday March 28, 2006

WKSU Executive Director Al Bartholet presented Marcus Thomas LLC with the station's Janet Price Memorial Underwriter of the Year award for 2005 at a reception on March 23 at Mustard Seed Market & Café in Montrose. The award was accepted by Jim Nash, Marcus Thomas president and chief operating officer. The Marcus Thomas agency has contributed in-kind marketing and promotional assistance to WKSU and associated projects, including the Kent State Folk Festival, since 2001.

Marcus Thomas LLC began working with WKSU soon after the company was formed from the merger of Ira Thomas Associates, Inc. and Marcus Advertising. WKSU Public Relations Director Bob Burford says, "From the very beginning, Marcus Thomas built creative campaigns for WKSU that captured the attention of Northeast Ohio and raised the station's profile. Our relationship with Marcus Thomas has allowed WKSU to strengthen our position in the region and connect more listeners with WKSU’s nationally recognized programming."

During its association with WKSU, Marcus Thomas has won 19 ADDY awards for work produced for the station, beginning with a billboard campaign that introduced the slogan "NPR. Classical. Other Smart Stuff." Other campaigns have focused on WKSU’s radio programming and its ability to take listeners directly to concert halls and world events, the concept of "driveway moments" (programming so engaging that drivers stay in their cars to listen), and the current campaign that pictures listeners throughout Northeast Ohio with their radios. The Marcus Thomas staff has created print and television advertisements, as well as ancillary materials that include magnets, t-shirts, postcards and website development for WKSU initiatives.

WKSU broadcasts NPR & Classical Music at 89.7 FM, and is a service of Kent State University. WKSU programming is also heard on WKRW 89.3 FM in Wooster, WKRJ 91.5 FM in Dover/New Philadelphia, WKSV 89.1 FM in Thompson, WNRK 90.7 in Norwalk, and W298BA 107.5 in Boardman. The WKSU web site is www.wksu.org.

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