August 15, 2024- Atlanta, GA- The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) announced today that Randy Gravley will succeed current GAB President, Bob Houghton.
Houghton has served as president since 2012, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization. His successor, Randy Gravley, is the former President and CEO of Tri-State Communications and a well-respected leader in the broadcasting community.
Bob Houghton has had a remarkable career in broadcasting, spanning several decades. Since joining GAB in 2012, he has been instrumental in advancing the interests of broadcasters throughout Georgia.
During his time as President, Houghton successfully guided the association and its member stations through numerous election cycles, natural disasters, as well as an unprecedented worldwide pandemic.
One of his proudest accomplishments is reinstating the association’s annual convention, GABCON. As the GAB’s most successful event, GABCON quickly became the state’s largest annual gathering of broadcasters.
Houghton also founded the GAB’s Education Foundation. A program that funds education, training, and leadership programs for broadcasting students, and young broadcasters in the industry. Additionally, Houghton lead the way for dozens of students to receive the GAB’s E. Lanier Finch Scholarship.
While serving as GAB president, Houghton also served on the board of the National Association of State Broadcasters (NASBA) and as NASBA President from 2022-2023.
Under Houghton’s leadership, the GAB was an integral part of several legislative and regulatory policies that supported broadcasters across the state of Georgia and the entire country. He helped lead the charge in advocating for legislation that helped lower unfairly high regulatory fees for stations. Houghton was a key part of the first informers bill that was passed to ensure that broadcasters have the access they need during emergencies. Just a few years ago, Houghton was one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Local Radio Freedom Act which recognized the critical role radio plays in our communities. And of course, he remains involved in the ongoing fight to keep AM Radio in cars.
Houghton says, “Serving as the President of the GAB has been the most satisfying portion of my fifty-year career in Broadcasting. Radio has created a great life for me and my family. This position at the GAB has allowed me to advocate with pride the values of local broadcasters as they inform, entertain, and comfort their audiences. As I often say ‘It is a Great Day to Be a Broadcaster in Georgia.’ “
The GAB is excited to welcome Randy Gravley as its new President!
Gravley, a native of Cherokee County, brings over 30 years of experience and a deep connection to the broadcasting community in Georgia. He the former President & CEO of Tri-State Communications, Inc., which includes divisions of radio, magazine, and digital.
Gravley’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in various organizations. He serves on the Pickens Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Sequoyah Regional Library Board of Directors, History Cherokee Board of Directors, and is the Co-Chair of the National Association of Broadcasters’s Political Action Committee.
His past service includes roles such as Chairman of the Cherokee County Elections Board, member of the A Day for Reinhardt Advisory Board, Past Chair of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, and Past Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters’s Radio Board of Directors. Gravley is also a proud graduate of Leadership Pickens, Leadership Cherokee, and Leadership Georgia, and has been recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of Georgia’s 40 Under 40. He also currently serves as Co-President and head fundraiser of the NAB Political Action Committee (NABPAC)
GAB Chairman, Bill Maine says, “Randy’s understanding of the business of broadcasting–from content creation to closing a sale–is impressive. I’m confident that the GAB is in capable hands especially when it comes to adapting to the current changes in media and those that are still to come in technology and regulation.”
Gravley has a longstanding passion for the industry and the GAB. He also brings a great personal perspective and understanding of the issues Georgia broadcasters are facing. Gravley currently resides in Woodstock, Georgia. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and traveling.
Gravley says, “It’s an extraordinary honor and privilege to be named the next President of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. I’m excited to continue in the footsteps of Bob Houghton and look forward to working with the tremendously talented and dedicated radio and television broadcasters across the great state of Georgia.”
As Randy Gravley steps into the role of President, the GAB looks forward to a seamless transition and continued success in advocating for broadcasters throughout Georgia. Gravley’s extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the organization towards new achievements.
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters extends its deepest gratitude to Bob Houghton for his years of dedicated service and leadership. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the broadcasting community, and he will be greatly missed.
Houghton says he is pleased to have Randy Gravley as his successor.
“He is a great local broadcaster, who serves his local community with the content of his stations and his commitment to the North Georgia region. I’ve often admired his dedication to the GAB as a past chairman, member of the GAB Hall of Fame, and frequent volunteer for the many needs the GAB asks of our members. But none more admired than his accomplishments in Washington D.C. He is an important contributor to our annual Washington D.C. Fly In to advocate for our industry with legislators. Randy has also represented Georgia well on the Board of the NAB and through a variety of positions that led him to being the President of the NAB Radio Board. I look forward to working with Randy and the GAB Staff to make for a smooth transition that will make the GAB better and stronger as we tell the great story of local broadcasting in Georgia.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
McKenzie Lewis
mlewis@gab.org
