The NAB Small Market Television Exchange opened Thursday, October 1 with the presentation of the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award to Raycom Media President and CEO Paul McTear. The award was presented to McTear by NAB Chief Operating and Financial Officer Janet McGregor. Named in honor of the late Chuck Sherman, former executive vice president of NAB Television and president of the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF), the award recognizes an individual demonstrating lifelong leadership, service and commitment to local TV in smaller markets.

McTear joined Raycom Media as the chief financial officer in 1997 before becoming president of the company in 2001. Under McTear's leadership, Raycom Media has grown to 46 television stations in 18 states covering more than 12.6 percent of television households in the U.S.

Prior to joining Raycom Media, McTear served as vice president of finance and corporate development at the Providence Journal Company. During his 20 year tenure, McTear was involved with acquisitions, strategic and financial planning and corporate development. He was also instrumental in the launch of two cable programming networks, the Television Food Network and America's Health Network.

In addition to running Raycom Media, McTear serves on the NAB Television Board of Directors and the NBC Affiliate Board. He heads a Small Market Coalition of broadcasters committed to ensuring the financial stability of small market television. McTear also serves on the board of directors of World Now, Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) and My Weather. The Small Market Television Exchange, now in its 23rd year, is the only national meeting devoted exclusively to television stations in demographic market areas #70 and above. The Exchange focuses on innovative strategies to attract emerging and non-traditional advertisers and suggestions to enhance the station's position in the local marketplace.