Karen Weddington joins Chicago Defender as head of advertising sales

Karen Weddington joins Chicago Defender as head of advertising sales

(November 29, 2005) The Chicago Defender has named veteran sales executive Karen Weddington as its general sales manager. In this role, Weddington will oversee a team of four account executives who are responsible for driving sales for the daily newspaper, two monthly magazine inserts, website, podcast and event marketing.

Weddington most recently served as national advertising sales director for the Chicago-based Savoy Magazine. She has served in a variety of executive sales positions at companies such as the Chicago Sun-Times, Essence Magazine, the New York Times and Clear Channel's WVAZ-FM/102.7.

Roland S. Martin, executive editor of the Chicago Defender, said Weddington's extensive experience suits the vision the company's parent company, Real Times, has laid out for the paper.

"As we redefine the Chicago Defender in the 21st century as the leading news and information source for African Americans in Chicago, we knew that there was a need for a sales executive who could bring a broad understanding of the advertising and marketing industry to the paper," Martin said. "There is no doubt in our minds that Karen is that person. She provides the energy and passion necessary to make the Defender the market leader, and will certainly help take a newspaper celebrating its 100th anniversary to the next level."

Weddington, who holds a degree in political science from Boston University, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs.

"The Defender is a key advertising medium in Chicago targeting the African American market by incorporating new technologies to compliment the traditional print buy, such as radio and TV partnership, and other high tech communications vehicles, and customized promotions," Weddington said. "I welcome the opportunity in shaping the Defender's future by offering these components to the advertising community in the same way that the editorial side of the new Defender has enhanced editorial excellence by expanding, and commanding the respect of Chicago's proud African American consumers and a new generation of Defender readers."

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Click here for free delivery of the Target Market News Bulletin You'll receive news of breaking stories, exclusives, updates and headlines on the latest developments in African American marketing and media Black Stats Frequently requested data on African American consumers Black Buying Power: $679 Billion (2004) Black U.S. Population: 38.3 million Top Five Black Cities - New York - Chicago - Detroit - Philadelphia - Houston Top Five Black Metros: - New York-New Jersey - Washington-Baltimore - Chicago-Gary - Los Angeles - Philadelphia Top Five Expenditures: - Housing 110.2 bil. - Food 53.8 bil. - Cars/Trucks 28.7 bil. - Clothing 22.0 bil. - Health Care 17.9 bil. Click here for more stats from "The Buying Power of Black America." ______________________ Get quick access to key U.S. Census Bureau Data Click here to go to African-American Census Bureau data _____________________ Copyright `© 2005 by Target Market News Inc.` All rights reserved Business address: 228 S. Wabash Ave. Suite 210 Chicago, IL 60604 t. 312-408-1881 f. 312-408-1867 info@targetmarketnews.com	Karen Weddington joins Chicago Defender as head of advertising sales (November 29, 2005) The Chicago Defender has named veteran sales executive Karen Weddington as its general sales manager. In this role, Weddington will oversee a team of four account executives who are responsible for driving sales for the daily newspaper, two monthly magazine inserts, website, podcast and event marketing. Weddington most recently served as national advertising sales director for the Chicago-based Savoy Magazine. She has served in a variety of executive sales positions at companies such as the Chicago Sun-Times, Essence Magazine, the New York Times and Clear Channel's WVAZ-FM/102.7. Roland S. Martin, executive editor of the Chicago Defender, said Weddington's extensive experience suits the vision the company's parent company, Real Times, has laid out for the paper. "As we redefine the Chicago Defender in the 21st century as the leading news and information source for African Americans in Chicago, we knew that there was a need for a sales executive who could bring a broad understanding of the advertising and marketing industry to the paper," Martin said. "There is no doubt in our minds that Karen is that person. She provides the energy and passion necessary to make the Defender the market leader, and will certainly help take a newspaper celebrating its 100th anniversary to the next level." Weddington, who holds a degree in political science from Boston University, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs. "The Defender is a key advertising medium in Chicago targeting the African American market by incorporating new technologies to compliment the traditional print buy, such as radio and TV partnership, and other high tech communications vehicles, and customized promotions," Weddington said. "I welcome the opportunity in shaping the Defender's future by offering these components to the advertising community in the same way that the editorial side of the new Defender has enhanced editorial excellence by expanding, and commanding the respect of Chicago's proud African American consumers and a new generation of Defender readers." Go to Target Market News homepage	12th Annual Edition Available Latest 'Buying Power' report shows black consumers spending more on home life As the American economy continues to move sluggishly, African-American households are curtailing their spending in many categories, including food, clothing and basic household items, while investing more in home repair, home entertainment and consumer electronics. Although they are trimming back, black consumers are still spending more than their white counterparts on most of these products. According to the newest edition of “The Buying Power of Black America” report, African-American households are tightening their belts when it comes to dining out, expanding their wardrobes, and leisure activities out of the home. At the same time, they are increasing their spending on home repairs and remodeling, audio and... Story and statistics continued _________________________ SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 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