W. Russell Withers Jr.
OwnerWithers Broadcasting Companies
Russ Withers is the founder and owner of Withers Broadcasting Companies, which presently owns six television stations and 30 radio stations in seven states.
He began his career in broadcasting as an announcer/salesman at KGMO in his hometown of Cape Girardeau, Mo. He joined LIN Broadcasting Corporation in Nashville in 1961 as a disc jockey, transitioned to sales and became vice president in 1963. During his tenure with LIN, Russ founded their cable TV division, building 50 systems throughout the Midwest and West. He was president of Schertle Galleries, Inc., another LIN subsidiary, franchising 100 art galleries.
Russ was chairman and CEO of Withers Beverage Corporation of Mobile, Ala., vice president and board member of Turneffe Island Lodge Ltd., a fishing lodge in Belize and chairman and CEO of Productos de Atlanticos, S.A., Costa Rica, a lobster processing company. He is a regent of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
He is involved in industry associations and served as chair of the Mutual Broadcasting affiliate board for 16 years. He has also served on the board of the National Association of Broadcasters, Illinois Broadcasters Association and was a trustee of the National Association of Broadcaster’s Political Action Committee (NABPAC) for 20 years. A recipient of the Wally Jorgenson award for the past 12 years, Russ was recently honored by the Broadcasters’ Foundation with a Broadcast Pioneer Award. He is also a member of the Associated Press Broadcast Board.
Russ is actively involved in his community serving as chairman of the Mt. Vernon Airport Authority; chairman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and former chairman of the Illinois Public Airport Association. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Illinois Broadcasters Association Foundation and was named Broadcaster of the Year in 2005 by the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Additionally, Russ was named 2006 Broadcaster of the Year for West Virginia.
Russ holds a B.A. degree from Southeast Missouri State University. His daughter Dana owns eight stations in two states, and she currently serves on the NAB Board of Directors.
